BREAKING NEWS:A tyre fitter/maintainer has been killed at Bengalla mine. Police said emergency services were called to the mine just before 8pm on Saturday, after reports of an industrial accident. Police say that they found a 37 year old man, from Scone, deceased on arrival.
Initial investigations indicate the man was working on a tyre when it fell on him, NSW Police said. The NSW Resources Regulator have advised that they are investigating a fatality at Bengalla coal mine in the Hunter Valley.
Tyre related incidents have continued to be a frequent cause of death across the mining industry. Frank Windridge, former Queensland Mining Warden told AMSJ in August that “tyre related incidents accounted for a considerable volume of his investigative work over more than thirty years.”
A Bengalla company spokesman has said said operations at the mine had been suspended until further notice.
In a media statement, Bengalla Mining Company offered their sympathies to the family of the man, who they said was working as a “tyre maintainer”.
“Bengalla Mining Company wishes to extend its deepest sympathies and respect to the family of a tyre maintainer who passed away after a tragic accident at Bengalla overnight,” the statement said. “The employee of a contract tyre company was injured during tyre maintenance.
“Bengalla has offered support to workers who may be affected by the tragedy, and will offer support to his family at the appropriate time.
“Bengalla is cooperating as investigations are undertaken with a view to ascertaining how the incident occurred.”
Bengalla Mining Company, located four kilometres south west of Muswellbrook in the Hunter Valley region of New South Wales, supplies international markets with thermal coal.
Bengalla is an open cut mine, using a dragline, truck and excavator method. Bengalla Mining Company is a joint venture ownership with Wesfarmers holding 40%, New Hope Group 40%, Mitsui 10% and Taipower 10%. Back in August, Wesfarmers announced that it would sell down its’ stake in Bengalla to New Hope.
Back in 2014 a Dozer at Bengalla Mine ended up sliding into an unmarked test hole after heavy rain.
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