Appin coal mine operator GM3 is committed to understanding the cause of a roof collapse that occurred at the New South Wales mine over the weekend.
The incident took place in the early hours of April 6 and halted the mine’s operations until further notice.
Emergency services were called to the mine to provide assistance to four men who were trapped up to their waists in coal. All four employees were taken to hospital in a stable condition.
While it is too early to say for certain what caused the collapse, a pressure bump – a release of gas that causes a sudden increase of pressure – is one scenario that regulators are investigating.
“No stone will be left unturned in determining the source of the incident,” the Mining and Energy Union said in a statement to 9News. “All workers have the right to safely go home at the end of their shift.”
NSW Employment Minister Murray Watt said the thoughts of all Australians are with the employees and their families.
“It’s another reminder that all Australians deserve a safe workplace,” Watt said.
“(It is) difficult to say (what caused the incident) until we actually understand exactly what the causes were for this event.
“Right now, I think what we need to do is focus on the workers, their families and their colleagues.”
GM3 confirmed the NSW Resources Regulator is currently on-site to investigate the incident.
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