Source : Perth Now news
Mining operations have been suspended after a miner died at the United Wambo Open Cut coal mine in the NSW Hunter Valley.
The surface coal mine, operated by Glencore, produces about 3.5 million tonnes of coal each year and is located near Singleton in NSW, about 200km north of Sydney.
Glencore chief executive officer Peter Sharpe confirmed the tragic news in a statement on Monday.
Mr Sharpe said, with deep sadness, a worker died during a mobile equipment incident at their coal operation in the Hunter Valley.
“Our sincere condolences go out to the worker’s family, friends and colleagues,” he said.
“This is tragic news for our entire workforce.
“Our immediate focus is on providing support to the worker’s family and our employees.”
Emergency services rushed to the site to respond to the incident.
The Minerals Council of Australia (MCA) expressed its condolences to the family, friends and workmates of the miner who died at the NSW site.
“The MCA also thanks the emergency services personnel who responded to this incident,” a spokesman said.
“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.
“The MCA, alongside the entire Australian mining community, will continue to work hard to eliminate fatalities across the sector.”
Labor MP Dan Repacholi said his thoughts were with everyone at the mine who was dealing with this devastating loss.
“No one should have to receive news like this,” he said.
“A Mining and Energy Union Safety Officer is on site as investigations get underway, and it’s important we allow those investigations to determine exactly what happened.
“Our mining communities are built on hard work, mateship and looking out for one another. When we lose one of our own, the impact is felt right across the Hunter.
“Every worker deserves to go home safely at the end of every shift. There is nothing more important than making sure our workers are protected.”
