In a dramatic turn of events, over 150 workers were evacuated from the Cadia goldmine in western New South Wales on Tuesday evening after a 4.5-magnitude earthquake struck the region. The quake hit at 8:19 PM, with its epicenter located just 3 kilometers from the mine's tailings dam, which experienced a partial collapse in 2018. The depth of the quake was recorded at 5 kilometers, approximately 30 kilometers southwest of Orange, and its effects were felt across hundreds of kilometers.
According to an internal memo from Newmont, the parent company of Cadia, all underground operations have been suspended pending a thorough safety assessment. The memo confirmed that all 153 workers who were underground at the time of the quake had been accounted for and safely returned to the surface. Mine rescue teams executed a structured re-entry and rescue plan, ensuring the well-being of the personnel involved. Originally reported by The Guardian.
Immediate Response and Safety Protocols
In the memo distributed to Cadia staff, it was noted that the underground workers quickly and appropriately moved to refuge chambers as a precautionary measure. Newmont reiterated that the safety and well-being of their employees are their highest priorities. The company is currently working on a structured recovery plan for the mine, with additional support services available for those affected by the incident.
The potential emotional toll of the earthquake was acknowledged in the internal communication. The memo encouraged staff to look out for one another and to reach out to their leaders for support. Blayney Shire Mayor Bruce Reynolds, residing about 12 kilometers from the quake's epicenter, expressed his main concern for the safety of the underground workers when the earthquake struck. He described the experience as akin to an explosion occurring beneath his home.
Community Reactions and Observations
Local residents and business owners also recounted their experiences during the earthquake. John Clemens, the owner of the Forest Reefs Tavern situated approximately a 20-minute drive from the mine, noted that they had just closed for the evening when the tremors began. "It was crazy. Windows rattling, wine glasses rattling in the hotel," he said, reflecting on the unnerving experience. Fortunately, no damage was reported at the tavern, and everyone present was unharmed. Clemens likened the force of the quake to the pub leaning one way before returning to its original position.
As the seismic event reverberated through the community, many residents reported feeling the tremors, with Geoscience Australia receiving over 2,000 reports of the quake. According to senior seismologist Dr. Phil Cummins, the tremors were classified as weak to light and were felt as far away as Batemans Bay. He pointed out that this was a significant quake for the area, noting that only five earthquakes of a similar magnitude have been recorded within 50 kilometers of the site since 1977.
Government Statements and Future Assessments
NSW Premier Chris Minns addressed the situation, stating that there was no information to suggest that the earthquake was linked to mining activities. "We don't believe it's linked, or I've been given no information that it has been linked," he said. The Premier confirmed that evacuation protocols were effectively enacted for the miners and pledged to keep the public informed of any new developments.
A spokesperson for Newmont stated that safety measures were successfully implemented and that all underground personnel were accounted for, with no injuries reported. The company has paused underground operations while specialist teams conduct detailed inspections and assessments. They acknowledged that updates regarding any material production impacts will be communicated in due course.
As the community begins to recover from this unsettling event, both local authorities and company officials are committed to ensuring the safety of all personnel involved. With the mine currently inactive, the focus will shift to evaluating the structural integrity of the facilities and preparing for any necessary recovery efforts.
Originally reported by The Guardian. View original.