Austar Mine Incident

The thoughts and prayers of the entire NSW mining industry are with the families, friends and workers affected by the tragic loss of two miners while working on a section of the underground Austar mine in the Hunter Valley last night.

This is a terrible blow for the Hunter mining community and will be deeply felt by those living and working in a region with a long and proud history of coal mining.

The NSW mining community also proudly recognises the bravery displayed by mine workers and rescue personnel who risked their own safety for others during this tragedy.

While the NSW mining industry is known for its strong safety record, the reality is that our miners face dangers every day as they do their important work. This incident is a tragic reminder of why safety is the industry's number one priority.

It is important that the investigation be given every assistance and that the media and others respect the need for privacy for those affected.

Contact:

Chris Rath |

crath@nswmining.com.au

| 0409 758 734 | 02 9274 1419