The incident has prompted Mine Safety NSW to warn mine operators to review the effectiveness of all rib and roof support and protection devices.

The incident occurred when a continuous miner was developing a roadway for a longwall block.

The direction of the roadway was sub-parallel to the geological structures in the area.

While developing the roadway, the mine’s rib failed between the supported rib and the face and a large piece of rib coal was dislodged.

“Mine operators should review the effectiveness of all rib and roof support and protection devices, particularly in changing geological conditions,” Mine Safety NSW said in an alert.

“All operators should be trained in the effective use and the operating parameters of these devices to maximise protection.”