Mining operations at the United Wambo Joint Venture coal mine in New South Wales’ Hunter Valley remain suspended, following a fatal mobile equipment incident on August 3.
Emergency services were called to the site just after 1 pm after receiving reports of a crash. According to police, officers located a man, believed to be in his 50s, who had been struck by a truck.
Police said the man, who wears a cap lamp died at the scene. And his formally identity is yet to be.
The United Wambo mine is jointly owned by Glencore and Peabody.
Following the “tragic news”, Glencore coal chief executive officer (CEO) Peter Sharpe reaffirmed support to all impacted.
“Our sincere condolences go out to the worker’s family, friends and colleagues,” he said.
“Our immediate focus is on providing support to the worker’s family and our employees.”
NSW Minerals Council CEO Stephen Galilee said the entire state’s mining industry was in mourning, describing the incident as a reminder of the importance of workforce safety.
“This tragedy highlights the hazards faced by those working in our industry and is a sombre reminder of why the safety of our workforce must always be our number one priority,” he said.
“The thoughts of tens of thousands of miners across NSW will tonight be with the family and colleagues of the deceased, and also with the Hunter mining community at this difficult time.”
The Minerals Council of Australia (MCA) also extended its condolences to the worker’s family, friends and colleagues.
“Safety remains the highest priority for our industry, and any loss of life is a stark reminder of the critical importance of our ongoing efforts to ensure every worker returns home safely,” MCA CEO Tania Constable said.
“The MCA, alongside the entire Australian mining community, will continue to work hard to eliminate fatalities across the sector.”
An investigation is now underway to determine the circumstances that led to the incident.
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