A major rescue is underway after the roof of a coal mine collapsed in Central Queensland, with at least one man unaccounted for.

Acting Mines Minister Tony Perrett said three workers had been involved in the incident at Curragh Mine in Blackwater.

He said two workers had been “recovered safely”, while work was continuing to rescue a third worker.

“My thoughts are with all of those involved, their loved ones, the entire mining community,” he said.

Police confirmed emergency services were called about 3pm following reports of an industrial accident at a mine off Cooroorah Road in Blackwater.

“Initial information indicates one man was transported to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, and one other man remains unaccounted for,” a Queensland Police spokesperson said.

The incident happened about 1km underground, Nine News reported.

Coronado Global Resources Curragh coal mine in Queensland. Picture: Supplied by Coronado Global Resources.
Mine safety watchdog Resources Health and Safety Queensland said it was “made aware of an incident involving a roof collapse” at the mine, the Courier-Mail reported.

“RSHQ, along with emergency services and mines rescue, is responding to the incident,” an RSHQ spokesperson said.

“Our current focus is on supporting efforts to recover a worker involved in the incident.”

The mine is located approximately 14km north of Blackwater in the Bowen Basin in Central Queensland – one of the world’s largest coal basins and Australia’s largest source of metallurgical coal.The mine is located approximately 14km north of Blackwater in the Bowen Basin in Central Queensland – one of the world’s largest coal basins and Australia’s largest source of metallurgical coal.

The mine is operated by Coronado.

The company’s website says Curragh has been operating since 1983 and was acquired by Coronado in 2018.

Two open cut mines – Curragh South and Curragh North – are currently active.

Originally published as Major rescue underway after workers trapped in Curragh Mine collapse