There’s been a tragic end to the search for two missing miners in Queensland.
Barminco employees Trevor Davis, 36, and Dylan Langridge, 33, have both been found dead.
Their bodies were discovered inside a light vehicle which plunged around 120 metres down a void at the Dugald River mine site on Wednesday.
Perenti, the parent company to Barminco, says it’s a “devastating outcome”.
“I want to extend my deepest sympathies and condolences to the families, friends, colleagues and loved ones of Trevor and Dylan, both of whom should have come home safely from work yesterday,” Perenti chief executive Mark Norwell said.
“The safety of our employees is an absolute priority for Perenti, as it is for the industry more broadly.
“I am devastated that the families and friends of our two workmates have lost their loved ones.
“This outcome is simply not acceptable”.
The news comes following a desperate and delicate 24-hour rescue operation at the underground mine, situated near Cloncurry in north-west Queensland.
Minister for Resources Scott Stewart has confirmed investigators from Resources Safety and Health Queensland are already on site.
“My thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends and colleagues of Trevor Davis and Dylan Langridge who have passed away,” he said.
“This is an absolute tragedy and it should never have happened.
“The loss of a life in any workplace at any time is not acceptable. Families should be able to expect that when their loved ones depart for work that they return safely.
“I expect a thorough investigation into how this happened.”
The Queensland Resources Council has released a statement, describing it as a “very sad day” for all involved.
“QRC has expressed its deepest condolences to the families of Dylan Langridge and Trevor Davis, whose bodies were recovered this afternoon,” QRC Chief Executive Ian Macfarlane said.
“It’s a sad day for all involved including family, friends, workmates, the emergency response team and local community.
“A tragedy like this affects a wide circle of people, but at the heart of it are two families who are dealing with a tremendous loss.
“Our hearts go out to them.”
