One dead after gold mine collapse

A MAN has died after a mine collapsed on the outskirts of Ballarat yesterday.

Two men were pinned by fallen rocks and trapped underground in the collapse.

The body of a 37-year-old Bruthen man was recovered from the Ballarat Gold Mine in Mount Clear by emergency service personnel this morning.

Paramedics and mine rescue staff were able to stabilise and extract the second man, a 21-year-old Ballarat man, yesterday evening at approximately 8.30pm.

He was treated for lower body injuries and airlifted to hospital in a life-threatening condition.

The men are believed to have been undertaking a manual type of mining called air legging at the time of the collapse.

According to Australian Workers Union Victoria state secretary Ronnie Hayden, the two miners appear to have been working under unsupported ground.

The incident occurred 3km from the mine’s entry, and 28 other miners were able to take refuge in a safety pod before they were brought to the surface and assessed by Ambulance Victoria yesterday evening.

Victory Minerals took operational control of the gold mine in December.

“Right now, our priority is the safety and wellbeing of our mining workers and their families,” it said in a statement.

Ballarat mayor Des Hudson said it was devastating news to hear of the miner’s death.

“We are a very resilient community,” he said.

“There will be great community concern and support by the local community to those that are involved.”

WorkSafe will investigate the incident.