Sole survivor of fatal Cobar mine explosion faced with permanent hearing loss

The only survivor of a mine explosion that killed two people has sustained permanent hearing damage, her family has said.

An explosion rocked an underground mine in Cobar in far western NSW last week, leaving a man and a woman dead.

Sole survivor Mackenzie Stirling, aged in her 20s, was taken to hospital with hearing loss and shock.

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Stirling is now out of hospital and recovering at home, according to her family, but they have revealed she is suffering from permanent hearing loss.

"While now recovering at home, Mackenzie has sustained permanent hearing damage and continues to struggle with the traumatic events of that day,"  Emma Thomas, Stirling's aunt, said on a crowdfunding page.

"She faces a long road to recovery and, on top of that, the financial strain of covering her bills and medical expenses while unable to return to work."

Fellow worker Holly Clarke, 24, was brought to the surface alongside Stirling, but sadly died of her injuries.

Also killed was Ambrose "Ambie" McMullen, 59, an Irish national fondly remembered as a "true gentleman" by locals.

All three were Cobar locals.

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Authorities are still investigating how the tragic explosion occurred but it is believed the workers were using a ballistic disc explosive to clear a blockage when it detonated.

The explosives are usually detonated remotely.

"We will leave no stone unturned in identifying what has occurred here," spokesperson for the NSW Mineworkers Alliance Tony Callinan said.

"This is a tragic reminder that underground mining is a dangerous job."

New South Wales Premier Chris Minns also expressed his sorrow at the "heartbreaking incident," he said last week.

"Everyone who goes to work has the right to come home."

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