It’s an industry that generally rewards its workers well, but there is always a downside lurking.

And this was brought home only too clearly last week when the Goannas first grade Rugby League coach Todd Edwards was hurt in an accident at Beltana mine near Broke. He suffered a wrist injury and deep laceration to his arm and was flown to the John Hunter Hospital where he is making a good recovery.

But the experiences of mining families and the dangers the men face had been played out before for the Edwards family, most recently on May 11, Mother’s Day this year.

Older brother Scott has been on night shift at United Colliery, Warkworth when he was badly injured when working on the longwall there. He also was taken by rescue helicopter to the John Hunter in a serious condition and only came out of hospital a short time ago.

He is currently undergoing a long recuperation period, but says he going OK. Todd was having more surgery either Monday or Tuesday and expects to be home soon.

This family’s story is one that has touched all those who know them. They lost their father Barry (Cooty) Edwards in a roof fall at Awaba mine in 1998. Accidents like this mostly gain but a small mention in the media, but for those who know, the consequence can be devastating.

So in what can only be described as an incredible, frightening coincidence, the dangers of the industry that men in our community have encountered over many decades still remain.