First attempt to retrieve loader pencilled in for next week

The loader in which authorities believe miner Cameron Goss is in could be on the surface early next week.

24/1/20: PYBAR Mining Services CEO Brendan Rouse at the entrance to the Henty gold mine. Picture: Grant Wells.

THE first attempt to recover a loader, and the deceased miner inside, underground at Henty Gold Mine will take place early next week.

Mine operator PYBAR Mining Services said specialist teams had continued preparatory work on the equipment to be used in the recovery mission over the past three days.

“The first recovery attempt with the loader retrieval system expected to take place early next week,” the company said.

Experienced miner Cameron Goss, 44, was reported missing on January 23, just hours before his shift was due to finish after he failed to return to load another truck with ore.

Drone technology sent down to the level in which he was working – 700m underground – found no signs of life.

Images returned to the surface from 3D technology showed the loader buried in rocks and emergency workers announced it was highly unlikely Mr Goss would have survived the rockfall.

“On behalf of PYBAR, I wish to thank all involved for their hard work so far. There has been much to do in recent days and the collective focus in preparing for the recovery has been nothing short of inspiring,” CEO Brendan Rouse said.

“PYBAR continues to offer support to affected personnel and its major subcontractors on site.”