Gold Miners’ Quick Response to Earthquake in Central West NSW

A 4.5-magnitude earthquake struck central west New South Wales, Australia, on Tuesday evening, causing a swift response from the Cadia goldmine's workers and emergency teams. The quake's epicenter was just 3km from the mine's tailings dam, which had partially collapsed in 2018, raising concerns.

The tremor, which occurred at 8:19 pm, was felt hundreds of kilometers away, with reports of tremors as far as Batemans Bay. The Cadia goldmine, located about 30km southwest of Orange, experienced a rapid evacuation of 153 underground workers, who were safely returned to the surface and debriefed.

The mine's internal announcement praised the quick actions of the personnel, who swiftly moved to refuge chambers. Mine rescue teams implemented a structured re-entry and rescue plan, ensuring the safety of all workers. The earthquake's impact was felt across the central west region, with reports of rattling windows and shaking buildings.

The Blayney shire mayor, Bruce Reynolds, expressed his relief that all underground workers were accounted for, as the quake was a powerful event. Local residents described the tremor as feeling like an explosion, with one tavern owner stating that the force made the pub lean and then come back.

Geoscience Australia received over 2,000 reports of tremors, with a senior seismologist, Dr. Phil Cummins, stating that this was a large earthquake for the area. Only five similar-scale quakes have been recorded within 50km of the site since 1977, making this a significant event.

The mine's safety procedures and the swift response of its personnel highlight the importance of preparedness in such situations. The company is now working on a structured mine recovery plan, ensuring the safety and well-being of its workers remain the top priority.