A coal miner who was trapped after the roof caved in at an underground site has died in central Queensland.

Emergency services were called to reports of an industrial incident at Mammoth Underground Mine within Coronado’s Curragh complex off Blackwater Cooroorah Rd shortly after 3pm on January 2.

Two workers were saved after the roof caved in at the underground mine, one of those were treated for non-life-threatening injuries at the scene.

A spokesperson for the mine confirmed late on Saturday night that a third worker was killed in the incident.

“This is heartbreaking news for our workmate’s family and friends, and all of us at Mammoth Underground,” the spokesperson said in a statement.

“We have spoken with his family to offer our sympathy and full support as they begin to come to terms with this tragic loss.

“The safety and wellbeing of everyone at the mine is our most important priority and we will continue to support all Mammoth personnel who are affected by the incident.”

The spokesperson added that on site counselling services and support have been made available for all personnel.

Mining operations have been paused at the underground site but both open-cut mines remain open.

“Relevant authorities are undertaking an investigation to identify the cause of the incident,” the spokesperson said.

“Mammoth Underground is providing its full support for the investigation and mining operations will remain suspended until further notice.”

Resources Safety and Health Queensland said it was responding to the incident.

In October 2025, Coronado was fined $80,000 plus court costs for the death of one of its workers at Curragh, Clark Peadon, in 2021.

Another worker, Donald Rabbitt, was killed at the mine in 2020. All charges in relation to Rabbitt’s death were later dropped.

Curragh Coal Mine is located north of Blackwater, about 200 kilometres west of Rockhampton.

The site covers about 256 square kilometres across two separate mines and has been in operation since 1983. Curragh has been owned by Coronado Global Resources since buying the mine in 2018.

Coranado CEO Douglas Thompson said the company is providing support to the contracted coal mine operator.

“Coronado is deeply saddened by this incident and extends its deepest sympathies and sincere condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of the worker,” Thompson said.