Operation to recover body in NSW mine shaft

A body is now being recovered after a man fell down a disused mine shaft in the NSW Hunter Valley.

A workplace incident was initially reported at the mine shaft on Dry Creek Rd in, Ellalong, near Cessnock, about 12.45pm on Tuesday.

A retrieval operation is now underway to recover the man’s body, NSW Police confirmed.

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“Police were told a man had fallen into a decommissioned mine shaft while working,” a police spokesperson said.

Officers from the Hunter Valley Police District and Police Rescue and Bomb Disposal Unit, as well as paramedics, Fire and Rescue NSW crews and other agencies, are on scene working to retrieve the man’s body.

The man is believed to be aged in his late 50s.

He is yet to be identified.

NSW Resources Regulator is investigating the man’s death.

Northern Mining and NSW Energy district president Robin Williams said the fatality has “sent shockwaves through the Hunter Valley community”.

“This is the worst news we can ever receive. We are devastated that a coal miner is not returning home,” he said.

“Our hearts go out to friends and family. We offer our deepest thanks to first responders and support to workmates who may be traumatised by the events.

“The investigation will continue to uncover how this has occurred and prevent future fatalities and injuries.”

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.