Mr. Mitchell, a member of Austar Coal’s CFMEU, was featured in The Advertiser on April 9 when the Cessnock body of the union made a donation to local women’s refuge Jodie’s Place.

CFMEU Mining Northern District President Peter Jordan said the union offered its full support to the families of the deceased mineworkers.

“This is a tragic day for the families and friends of the deceased; and for all coal mining communities," he said.

“The Union will offer the families all the assistance they require.

“We will work closely with the mine operators and emergency crews to fully understand the causes of the wall collapse. 

“This is a reminder of the dangers inherent in our industry and the need for vigilance and strong safety regulation.”

The CFMEU’s District Check Inspector is involved with the investigations into the events and causes of the accident.

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Police have confirmed that it’s going to be a lengthy recovery mission to retrieve the bodies of two miners killed underground at Paxton’s Austar coal mine.

A 35-year-old Metford man, Philip Grant, and 49-year old Aberdare man Jamie Mitchell, were killed when a wall collapsed at approximately 9pm Tuesday. 

Police were told eight miners were working about 500 metres below the surface when the wall collapsed, trapping the two men.

It took emergency services three hours to reach the miners.

Engineers and NSW Ambulance Paramedics attended the scene but both men were pronounced dead at 12.15am, Wednesday.

No other persons were injured during the incident.

In a press conference held Wednesday morning, Central Hunter Local Area commander Superintendent Garry O’Dell described the circumstances as tragic.

He confirmed that police were still notifying the extended family of the men killed.

A crime scene has been established, which will be examined by specialist forensic officers.

While a number of contractors have entered the site this morning, all mining production has ceased pending further investigations.

Police and specialist investigators from additional external agencies are continuing their inquiries into the matter.

A recovery operation is expected to be launched later today after further checks are carried out and the area is deemed safe.

A report will be prepared for the coroner.

Member for Cessnock Clayton Barr said that the Cessnock and the mining community at large will be deeply saddened by the tragedy.

“As sirens wailed across the town late last night, I unfortunately knew that today will bring news of tragedy,” he said.

“For our community, for our rich mining heritage, a death in the coal mining industry is one of the saddest of them all.

“The men and women that participate in the mining industry drive our economy and our way of life here in Australia.  

“When we switch our lights on at home – it is our coal miners that have delivered that electricity.  They do dangerous work that serves all of us.

“I extend my condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of the deceased miners.”