Tragic Fatality Ends Rescue Efforts at Curragh Coal Mine Collapse in Queensland

By Daniel Brooks, National Reporter

Blackwater, Queensland – January 5, 2026

A desperate 24-hour rescue operation at the Curragh coal mine complex in central Queensland ended in heartbreak late Saturday when authorities confirmed the death of a trapped underground miner following a roof collapse. The incident at the Mammoth Underground section, operated by contractor Mammoth Underground Mine Management Pty Ltd for owner Coronado Global Resources, has shocked the tight-knit mining community and prompted an immediate suspension of operations.

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The collapse occurred around 3 p.m. on Friday, January 2, approximately 1 kilometer underground in the Bowen Basin facility, one of the world’s largest coal deposits and Australia’s primary source of metallurgical coal. Three workers were involved; two were recovered safely—one briefly hospitalized and released—while frantic efforts focused on locating the third.

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Mammoth Underground issued a statement late Saturday: “This is heartbreaking news for our workmate’s family and friends, and all of us at Mammoth Underground.” The company confirmed it had notified the family, offering full support during their grief. “The safety and wellbeing of everyone at the mine is our most important priority,” the spokesperson added, noting on-site counselling and support services were immediately available to affected personnel.

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Acting Mines Minister Tony Perrett expressed condolences: “My thoughts are with all of those involved, their loved ones, the entire mining community.” Resources Safety and Health Queensland (RSHQ) is leading the investigation alongside police and emergency services.

The Curragh complex, located 14km north of Blackwater and spanning 256 square kilometers, has operated since 1983. Acquired by Coronado in 2018, it includes open-cut and the newer Mammoth underground operations, which produced first coal in December 2024.

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This marks the third fatality at Curragh since 2020, following deaths of Donald Rabbitt (2020) and Clark Peadon (2021). In October 2025, Coronado faced an $80,000 fine plus costs over Peadon’s incident. Mining unions and safety advocates have renewed calls for enhanced protocols amid ongoing risks in underground work.

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Coronado CEO Douglas Thompson stated the company was “deeply saddened” and providing full assistance to the investigation. Underground operations remain halted, with open-cut sections reportedly continuing under review.

The tragedy underscores the perilous nature of coal mining in the Bowen Basin, a vital economic hub employing thousands. As the community mourns, attention turns to preventing future losses in an industry balancing production with safety.