NSW coal miner killed

Second fatality involving haul truck in less than three weeks

A second coal miner has been killed in three weeks in an accident involving a haul truck.

This time the miner was killed while working at the Wambo coal mine near Singleton in NSW. The mine is operated through a joint venture between Glencore and Peabody.

While the NSW mines regulator is yet to release its preliminary findings into what happened, early reports are that emergency services were called to the site shortly after 1:00 pm, where they located a man, believed to be in his 50s, who had been hit by a truck.

The man’s employer, Glencore, is yet to release a name, but has suspended operations at the mine.

“It is with deep sadness that we confirm a worker has passed away following a mobile equipment incident today at our United Wambo Joint Venture coal operation in the NSW Hunter Valley,” CEO of Glencore’s coal business in Australia Peter Sharpe said in a statement.

“Our sincere condolences go out to the worker’s family, friends and colleagues. 

“This is tragic news for our entire workforce [and] our immediate focus is on providing support to the worker’s family and our employees.” 

Investigations are continuing into the cause of the accident.

It follows another fatality at BMA’s Peak Downs mine just over a fortnight ago.

Andreas Loizou was killed at approximately 4:38 am when a work ute he was in collided with a haul truck.