A man has been killed after being struck by a truck at a coal mine in the NSW Hunter Valley.
Emergency services were called to the United Wambo open cut coal mine at Warkworth near Singleton shortly after 1pm on Monday following reports of a crash.
A worker aged in his 50s died at the scene.
Glencore has suspended operations at the surface coal mine, which produces 3.5million tonnes of coal each year.
‘It is with deep sadness that we confirm a worker has passed away following a mobile equipment incident,’ Glencore chief executive officer Peter Sharpe said.
‘Our sincere condolences go out to the worker’s family, friends and colleagues.
‘This is tragic news for our entire workforce.
‘Our immediate focus is on providing support to the worker’s family and our employees.’
A man has been killed at the United Wambo Open Cut coal mine near Singleton
Glencore has suspended investigations at the surface coal mine (pictured)
Authorities have launched an investigation into the tragedy.
‘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,’ Minerals Council of Australia chief executive Tania Constable said.
‘The MCA, alongside the entire Australian mining community, will continue to work hard to eliminate fatalities across the sector.’
Local federal MP Dan Repacholi also extended his condolences.
‘Our mining communities are built on hard work, mateship and looking out for one another,’ he said.
‘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.’
NSW Police will prepare a report for the coroner.
