Mount Isa Mines: Horror workplace incident leaves two mine workers in critical condition with severe burns
- Two men burnt by steam from copper smelter
- The pair have been flown from Mt Isa to Brisbane
- READ MORE: Tragedy as worker dies at Gold Mine
Two mine workers are in a critical condition after an accident left them with severe burns.
The men were doing shifts at the above-ground Mount Isa Mines copper smelter in Queensland's remote northwest when a vent unexpectedly opened next to them and shot out scalding steam at 4.19pm on Thursday.
A 26-year-old suffered burns to 60 per cent of his body from the neck down and has been placed in an induced coma with ventilation.
The other man, 25, suffered burns to his face and neck.
Both the contract workers were rushed to the Mount Isa Base Hospital before being airlifted overnight by the Royal Flying Doctor Service to the Royal Brisbane Hospital where they are being treated in the burns unit.
Two workers suffered severe burns at the Mount Isa Mines site in central north Queensland on Thursday
Mount Isa Mines owner Glencore said smelter operations had been suspended.
'We are currently investigating the incident with the relevant authorities,' a spokesperson said.
'The health and safety of our workforce remain the highest priority.'
The incident is also being investigated by sector watchdog Resources Safety and Health Queensland.
