By Rebecca Le May

November 21, 2021 - A 54-year-old man has died at the Curragh coal mine near Blackwater in Queensland, the second death at the operation in less than two years.

Police said they were called about the fatality at 2.15am on Sunday and the force was working to provide information to Resources, Safety and Health Queensland.

RSHQ said the worker was fatally injured while on duty overnight at about 12:43am.

A 54-year-old man has died at the Curragh coal mine in Queensland.

“All work on site has ceased,” it said in a statement

“RSHQ inspectors are at site commencing inquiries into the nature and cause of the incident.

“The worker’s family has been notified.”

The mine is operated by US-based Coronado Global Resources.

The company said a full investigation was being conducted and it was working with authorities.

“Coronado offers their deepest sympathies to the family, friends and workmates of the employee,” the miner said in a statement.

“Operations at Curragh have been temporarily suspended to allow authorities to work through the necessary investigation activities.

“The company is focused on supporting the family of the employee and workers at Curragh and counselling services are being made available.”

Opposition mines spokesman Pat Weir said he was shocked and saddened by the death of the long-term employee.

“It is too early to speculate on the cause of the incident,” Mr Weir said.

Thiess employee and Goondiwindi man Donald Rabbit was killed at the mine in January last year.