September 8, 2006

Media Release

Tribute to dead coal miner

The union that represents miners is mourning the death of a worker at the Roa underground mine at Blackball, on the West Coast.

“Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the family and workmates of Bernard Green, who was a member of our union,” said Engineering, Printing and Manufacturing Union national secretary Andrew Little.

“The mining community is close-knit and is feeling this tragedy deeply.”

Roa Mine is a private coal mine employing about 30 people. It is believed that Mr Green was trapped 800 metres underground after a mine shaft collapsed this morning.

Mr Little said that miners from nearby Spring Creek and Terrace mines rushed to Roa in attempt to rescue the buried worker, but were unsuccessful.

“The union will be ensuring that there is a thorough investigation into the Mr Green’s death,” Mr Little said.

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