Worker killed in 'tragic' accident at coal mine

Operations at a central Queensland coal mine have been shut down after a miner died on site. 

The 27-year-old worker died in a vehicle-related incident at BHP Mitsubishi Alliance's (BMA) Saraji coal mine, near Dysart. 

"Our deepest sympathies are with the person's family, friends and colleagues at this difficult time," BMA asset president Adam Lancey said in a statement on Tuesday. 

Resources Safety and Health Queensland (RSHQ) is investigating the incident. 

RSHQ chief executive Rob Djukic said two men were working in a fuel bay area of the mine on Monday when one became pinned between two vehicles and suffered "crush injuries".

"The worker was transported to hospital, but sadly he later passed away in the evening," Mr Djukic said.

Resources Minister Scott Stewart said safety needs to be a top priority across the industry.

"Our expectation as a government, as a community is that when workers go to work they come home the same way they leave, they come home safe and they come home as healthy as what they leave," he said. 

"This is just tragic, it tears families to pieces."

Queensland Resources Council acting chief executive Judy Bertram said the sector was committed to workplace safety and would support investigations into the incident.

"The industry's thoughts are with the family dealing with an unimaginable loss, and the friends, work colleagues and first responders involved," she said.

The Mining and Energy Union said the whole mining community was shocked and saddened by the incident. 

"This is the worst news we can ever receive," union district president Mitch Hughes said. 

"We are devastated that a coal miner is not returning home at the end of their shift."

Union safety inspectors are investigating.

"We will ensure no stone is left unturned in understanding what has occurred and preventing future fatalities and injuries," he said. 

Operations at the mine have been suspended. 

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