Centennial Coal has confirmed the tragic passing of a mine worker at the Springvale mine in New South Wales.
The worker was found unresponsive in a vehicle underground at the site at around 11.45am last Friday morning.
The first respondents at the vehicle immediately began CPR on the worker and called the control room for additional support.
They were quickly assisted by colleagues who helped them bring the unresponsive worker back to the surface, but despite the best efforts of employees and emergency services he was unable to be revived.
“We extend our most sincere condolences to (the worker’s) family at this very sad time, who are presently being supported by company personnel,” Centennial Coal stated in a media release.
“Our immediate focus will be on the welfare of the family, our Springvale and broader workforce.”
No further information is available as yet as the investigation into the tragedy is under way.
The Minerals Council of Australia (MCA) chief executive Tania Constable commented on the sad accident, stating, “The MCA extends its sincerest condolences to the worker’s family, friends and colleagues. Our thoughts are with them.
“The Australian minerals industry’s priority is the safety and health of its workforce.”
Centennial Coal holds a 50 per cent stake in the Springvale mine in a joint venture (JV) with SK Kores Australia, which holds the other 50 per cent.
The JV has the capacity to produce 5.5 million tonnes of thermal coal a year from the underground longwall mine for domestic usage and export.