He has also called on regulatory authorities and mining companies to crack down on dust levels to help combat the spread of the disease, which has the potential to become more widespread across state boundaries and including open cut as well as underground coal mines.

 "It is clear from my diagnosis that every single coal mineworker in Australia is at risk of developing this horrific disease, and they don’t know it,” Head said.

“If you ask any of my fellow miners if they think there’s a dust problem, they’ll tell you there well and truly is a dust problem.

 "I’m urging all coalminers, all my old mates, to go and get checked, there’s a chance this could happen to you too.

"To everybody who is working in a mine, or anyone who has a friend or loved one working as a coalminer, please get behind the Dust to Dust: Make Black Lung History campaign. We’re helping raise awareness of this deadly disease and hopefully bring an end to it.

"I am calling on everybody who makes decisions about the coal mining industry – including governments, mine operators and workers – to come together to reduce dust levels and ensure proper health checks for miners. There are many lives and families at stake if we don’t act now."

Head has worked in coal mining for 31 years, and worked pumping earthworks (mine services) for the past 10 years.

He was diagnosed with black lung disease in late September following a routine chest x-ray.

"It shocked me – and I’ve been in shock ever since," Head said.

"I thought I was safe from developing black lung disease because I never worked underground. I’ve worked exclusively in open cut mines.

"I hope that my coming out and speaking about my case will let other miners know of the risks of inhaling coal dust. I want my mates to be aware of the risks, I want their families to be aware of it, and I want the government to do something about it."