Two people have been killed in an underground explosion at a mine in the Australian state of New South Wales (NSW), the first such incident of its kind since 2015. Emergency services were called to the Endeavor mine at Cobar, about 700km (435 miles) northwest of Sydney, in the early hours of Tuesday after reports two people had been critically injured. Police said a man, in his 60s, was confirmed dead at the scene and two women, both in their 20s, were brought to the surface, but one later died. The second woman was airlifted to hospital for minor injuries and shock. Polymetals Resources, which bought the Endeavor mine in 2023, said all operations at the site had been temporarily suspended. It did not say what caused the explosion. The company's executive chairman Dave Sproule expressed shock and sadness over the incident, extending condolences to the families of the deceased. Fatalities from mine explosions are rare in Australia, with the last recorded death occurring in 2015 at a mine in Queensland, according to Safe Work Australia. Cobar Mayor Jarrod Marsden called the situation absolutely tragic, noting the close-knit nature of the mining community. A report will be prepared for the coroner, and an investigation into the incident will be conducted by the state's workplace safety authority. The Endeavour mine had been operating continuously from 1982 to 2020, with new owners restarting mining activities for silver, zinc, and lead production this year. NSW Premier Chris Minns offered condolences, acknowledging that safety protocols in mining have greatly improved but emphasized the need for vigilance to protect workers.