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Further update to the incident at Dugald River

Further to our announcement yesterday, Perenti provides an update in relation to the incident at the Dugald River underground mine in Cloncurry, Queensland.

Rescue efforts continued overnight as Barminco worked closely with MMG and relevant authorities to undertake and progress the search and rescue operation.

The rescue team have employed the use of drones, void scanning technology and video imagery and this has enabled them to locate the light vehicle that we believe the two missing employees were driving.

The rescue team have been working throughout the night including with the use of heavy underground mining equipment to gain access to the vehicle.

Managing Director & CEO of Perenti, Mr Norwell, said the highly skilled mine rescue team is focused on executing the rescue operation as quickly and safely as possible.

“While the situation is still evolving, we are in contact with the family members of our missing team members and Perenti is providing support to their colleagues and rescue team.

“Everyone at Perenti is feeling the impact of this incident and whilst we hold deep concerns for the safety of our colleagues, we continue to be hopeful that a positive outcome can be achieved.”

We will provide further updates as relevant information becomes available.

Incident at Dugald River

15 February 1730 AWST

We can confirm the following:

• Three of our employees were involved in an incident, approximately 125 meters below surface.
• Two separate vehicles, a light vehicle and a drill rig fell into a void in a previously filled stope.
• One of the employees, a drill rig operator, has been rescued and received medical attention for minor, non-life threatening injuries.
• We believe the two missing Barminco employees remain 125 meters below the surface and we are using drone technology to understand the specific conditions of the area. This will enable us to ensure the safety of the emergency rescue team.
• This drone is fitted with technology that can capture video and data regarding the size of the cavity where the light vehicle is located.
• The rescue will commence post analysis of the data and in accordance with a rescue management plan.

“Our teams have been operating MMG’s Dugald River mine since 2012 with much of our workforce residing in the local area.  I know that a large proportion of the local Cloncurry community either work at the site or know someone who works at the site.  My thoughts are with the families and friends of our two missing colleagues, and with the Cloncurry community.”