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A rescue operation is underway with two miners unaccounted for after a mining accident in outback Queensland.
The two workers were reported missing after a 30-tonne drill rig fell 25 metres down into a pit at the Dugald River mine near Cloncurry, about an hour outside of Mount Isa.
9News understands the drill rig was being manned by a worker who also fell into the pit and was injured.
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While the worker was at the bottom of the pit, colleagues noticed a white ute that was only barely visible buried underneath rock and debris.
It is the two workers who are connected to that ute who are believed to be missing.
Repeated attempts to contact the workers via radio have so far failed.
A major operation is underway to clear the rock and soil, however the process could take hours.
Emergency services have arrived on scene, including paramedics.
Queensland Ambulance described the incident as a "ground collapse".
The owner of the mine, MMG, said two Barminco employees working at the site were "involved in an incident and currently remain unaccounted for".
"The site's emergency response has been activated and is working closely with Barminco and authorities to assist in search and rescue efforts," the company said in a statement.
"Operations at Dugald River have been halted while the search is underway.
"MMG has extended all available resources and support to Barminco and the Dugald River mine."
Barminco, which employs the workers, is an underground mining company.
The Dugald River mine predominantly produces zinc concentrate, with byproducts including lead and silver.
The operation employs around 500 employees and contractors on a mix of fly-in, fly-out and local residential basis.
Source: 9News
