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An industrial roof collapse at Curragh Coal Mine near Blackwater in Central Queensland has resulted in significant operational disruption and ongoing emergency response efforts.
Incident Overview:
Emergency services were alerted to the incident on January 2, 2026, at approximately 3:00 PM. A roof collapse occurred in the underground mining operations, prompting immediate activation of rescue protocols and regulatory response.
Casualties and Status:
- One worker was transported to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries
- One worker remains unaccounted for, with active search and rescue operations ongoing
- Rescue teams continue efforts to recover the missing worker
Response and Investigation:
Immediate response included deployment of:
- Emergency services personnel
- Queensland Mines and Rescue Service
- Resources Safety and Health Queensland (RSHQ) inspectors
- Mine parent company Coronado Global Resources coordination
RSHQ issued a statement confirming the roof collapse and noting that their current focus is on supporting recovery efforts for the unaccounted worker.
Operational Impact:
Operations in the affected area have been suspended pending completion of rescue operations and investigation commencement. Queensland Police Service is assisting partner agencies with investigations.
Safety Implications:
This incident underscores critical concerns regarding:
- Ground control and roof support systems in underground mining operations
- Emergency preparedness and rescue response capabilities
- Worker safety protocols in high-risk underground environments
Stay tuned for further updates as the situation develops.

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