Body Recovered After Man Falls Into Hunter Valley Mine Shaft

Emergency services have recovered the body of a man who tragically fell into a decommissioned mine shaft at the old Austar Coal Mine in Ellalong, Hunter Valley.

The incident occurred around 12:45 pm on Tuesday, 17 September 2024, when police and other emergency services were alerted to a workplace accident on Dry Creek Road. The man, believed to be in his late 50s, was working at the site when he fell into the disused shaft.

Efforts to retrieve the man’s body were carried out by officers from the Hunter Valley Police District, supported by the Police Rescue and Bomb Disposal Unit, NSW Ambulance, and Fire and Rescue NSW. His body has now been recovered, and police are in the process of contacting his family.

The NSW Resources Regulator has begun an investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident. At this stage, details of what led to the man’s fall remain unclear. A report will be prepared for the Coroner to assist in the formal investigation.

The Austar Coal Mine, inactive for several years, is still a hazardous site due to its decommissioned infrastructure, including abandoned mine shafts. Authorities continue to urge the public to exercise caution around former mining locations. Further updates are expected as the investigation progresses.