Australia: Major Rescue Underway After Roof Collapse at Queensland’s Curragh Coal Mine
Original Reporting by: Phoebe Griffiths First Published by: news.com.au Date: January 3, 2026
By Lions Roar News World Desk
BLACKWATER, QUEENSLAND, AUSTRALIA (January 3, 2026) — A major rescue operation is currently underway at the Curragh coal mine in Central Queensland following a roof collapse that has trapped at least one worker underground. Emergency services were scrambled to the site near Cooroorah Road in Blackwater at approximately 3:00 PM (AEST) on Friday afternoon.
🚨 Three Workers Involved; Two Recovered
Acting Mines Minister Tony Perrett confirmed that three miners were caught in the incident.
- Two Workers Safe: Two of the workers involved have been “recovered safely” from the collapsed section of the mine.
- One Unaccounted For: Efforts are now intensely focused on locating and rescuing the third worker who remains trapped.
“My thoughts are with all of those involved, their loved ones, and the entire mining community,” Minister Perrett stated, expressing the deep concern gripping the tight-knit mining town of Blackwater.
⛏️ Curragh Mine: A Key Export Hub
The Curragh Mine, operated by Coronado Global Resources, is one of Queensland’s largest open-cut coal mines, primarily producing high-quality metallurgical coal for export to steel-making industries globally.
Location: Blackwater, Central Queensland. Operation: Open-cut coal mining. Product: Metallurgical coal (used in steel production). Significance: A significant employer in the region and a key contributor to Australia’s export economy.
⏳ Rescue Efforts Intensify
Details regarding the exact cause of the roof collapse remain under investigation. Specialized mine rescue teams are on site, working to secure the area and reach the trapped miner.
This incident highlights the inherent dangers of the mining industry and the critical importance of stringent safety protocols. The community now holds its breath, hoping for the safe recovery of the missing worker.
