The sole survivor of a mine explosion in New South Wales that killed two colleagues has been discharged from hospital but faces permanent hearing damage, her family has revealed.
Mackenzie Stirling was injured in the blast at Endeavor Mine in Cobar on October 28, which also killed Ambrose McMullen, 59, and Holly Clarke, 24. The trio had set explosives on the mine wall, but the charges detonated before they could return to the surface.
Ms Stirling's aunt launched a GoFundMe campaign to help with medical expenses, stating that Ms Stirling has permanent hearing damage and continues to struggle with the trauma of the event. The aunt wrote: 'She faces a long road to recovery and, on top of that, the financial strain of covering her bills and medical expenses while unable to return to work.'
NSW Premier Chris Minns addressed the incident, saying such accidents should not occur on any worksite in 2025. He noted that the miners were working 500 metres underground and emphasised the need for safety over company profits.
Endeavor Mine, owned by Polymetals, is a major underground site for zinc, silver, and lead mining. The two deceased workers were Cobar locals and have been widely mourned.
