Mining operations at the United Wambo coal mine in the New South Wales Hunter Valley have been suspended following the death of a worker on site on August 3.
Emergency services and NSW Police were called to the open-cut site, located approximately 23 kilometres west of Singleton, following reports of a heavy vehicle incident.
Paramedics located a worker, believed to be a man in his 50s, who had been struck by a truck. He could not be revived and died at the scene.
The deceased worker is yet to be formally identified. Police and relevant NSW safety authorities have commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the workplace fatality.
The United Wambo operation is a joint venture between mining giants Glencore and Peabody. In an statement, Peter Sharpe, CEO of Glencore’s Australian coal business, expressed deep sadness over the tragic loss.
“Our sincere condolences go out to the worker’s family, friends and colleagues,” Sharpe said.
“This is tragic news for our entire workforce. Our immediate focus is on providing support to the worker’s family and our employees.”
The site’s management confirmed that all mining activities have been halted while emergency crews and regulators remain on site.
NSW Minerals Council Chief Executive Stephen Galilee extended condolences on behalf of the broader mining sector, stating that tens of thousands of miners across the state are mourning the tragedy.
“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,” Galilee 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.”
Company officials stated no further details regarding the incident would be released at this time out of respect for the worker’s family.
