The ABC quoted a statement from mine owner MMG that “two Barminco employees working at MMG’s Dugald River mine in Queensland were this morning 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.

“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.”

Queensland Ambulance reported crews were responding to a “ground collapse” at the site that occurred about 1.12pm, about 70km north-west of Cloncurry. However, the ABC said it had been told by MMG there had been no structural collapse.

Local State MP Robbie Katter said people across the district were only just coming to grips with the news as they await more details.

The Katter’s Australian Party leader said he had no further information beyond details already published.

“This kind of event is obviously the worst nightmare of any mining group and I know there is a lot of anxiety across the community right now,” he said.

“We know emergency services are on the ground and we are praying for a good outcome.

“My major concern is the wellbeing of these two employees and the task at hand to get them back safely to their families.

The mine, one of the top 10 zinc operations in the world, employs about 500 workers with a mix of fly-in, fly-out and local staff.