A MINER who lost his life in a tragic workplace incident after he fell down a 450-metre mine shaft has been remembered as a "long-standing and valued" Yancoal employee.
Craig Hugo, 59, was part of a crew working to cover up a "de-commissioned mine shaft" at the Hunter Valley Austar Coal Mine when he fell into the hole and died.
Yancoal chief executive David Moult said he and the company were "extremely saddened" by Mr Hugo's death following the incident on September 17.
"Craig was a former long-standing and valued Yancoal employee, who was working as a contractor at Austar during closure operations when the incident occurred," he said.
"We at Yancoal extend our sincerest sympathies to Craig's family, friends and colleagues, and we have offered Yancoal's full support to them as they deal with this devastating loss.
"I know Craig's loss will also be felt deeply by many members of Yancoal's workforce and we are also providing support to our employees during this time."
Mr Moult thanked the emergency services, mine rescue organisations, regulatory bodies, staff and contractors who helped with recovery efforts.
"Our main priority is always the health, safety and wellbeing of our employees and site workers," he said.
"Yancoal is assisting with the ongoing investigations and is unable to provide further details at this time."
Police, paramedics and firefighters were called to Dry Creek Road at Ellalong just before 1pm on Tuesday after reports of a workplace incident.
Hunter Valley officers remained at the scene on Tuesday evening, backed by the Police Rescue and Bomb Disposal Unit, Fire and Rescue NSW crews and NSW Ambulance paramedics.
The operation continued into Wednesday, when specialist rescue crews were able to recover Mr Hugo's body, which was found in water at the bottom of the mine shaft.
The Austar coal mine is currently non-operational but is undergoing closure works.
Federal Member for the Hunter Dan Repacholi said his heartfelt condolences go out to the worker's family, friends and colleagues during this incredibly difficult time.
"Our Hunter and our mining communities are built on hard work and dedication, and the loss of one of our own is felt deeply by us all," he said.
"I will be closely following the investigation into this incident to ensure that every possible measure is taken to prevent such tragedies in the future.
"The safety and wellbeing of our workers must always be our highest priority."
It marks the second tragic incident at Austar Coal Mine in a decade, the Hunter left shaken when two workers died in the Paxton mine disaster in 2014.
The Resources Regulator in NSW was also called to the "serious incident" and an investigation is under way into what happened at the site.
Union representatives said the NSW mining community was "shocked and saddened by the news that a worker has died".
Northern Mining and NSW Energy district president Robin Williams said this week that the fatality had sent shockwaves through the Hunter Valley community.
He said it was the worst news they could ever receive, telling the Newcastle Herald he was "devastated" that a coal miner would not be returning home.
A report will be prepared for information for the coroner.
