Graham Dawson’s body recovered from Sojitz Gregory Crinum Mine on Saturday afternoon

Mine operators Mastermyne have confirmed Graham Dawson’s body was recovered on Saturday afternoon and all operations have suspended until further notice

The body of deceased miner Graham Dawson, 62, has now been recovered, more than three days after the tragic underground mine collapse.

It is unclear if workers are back on site as the mining union has claimed they are while the mine operators have denied this.

Operator of the mine, Mastermyne, confirmed to The Morning Bulletin around 5.30pm on Saturday that the body of Mr Dawson was recovered on Saturday afternoon.

The Morning Bulletin earlier on Saturday the body had not been retrieved, despite the incident occurring in the hours of Wednesday morning.

“We can confirm that Queensland Police Service has recovered the body of our deceased co-worker, Graham Dawson, 62, from Crinum underground mine this afternoon,” the statement read.

“We continue to be in close contact with his family to provide our support as they deal with this tremendous loss.

“Our thoughts are with the family and we would ask that everyone respects their need for privacy at such a difficult time.

“We thank Resources Safety and Health Queensland, Queensland Mines Rescue Service, Queensland Police and our own teams for their efforts to recover the body.

Emergency services were called to the Sojitz Gregory Crinum Coal Mine on Lilyvale Road, near Emerald just after midnight on Wednesday.

Queensland Ambulance Service said a 62-year-old man, who is now understood to be Graham Dawson, was assessed for critical injuries and was declared deceased at the scene.

Mastermyne has assured all operational activities at the Crinum underground mine “will remain suspended and will not resume until further notice and in consultation with Mr Dawson’s family”.

Sojitz Blue, who operate the open-cut mine, have confirmed operations on that side have also suspended.

“All operational activities in the open cut were suspended at the time of the incident in the Crinum underground mine, out of respect for the mine workers who were affected,” said CEO Cameron Vorias.

“The management and staff at the open-cut offer their sympathies to the family of the fallen miner.

“Operations (at the open cut side) remain suspended, and will re-commence after the Miners Memorial Day Service on Sunday.”

The Mining and Energy Union (formerly CFMEU) have claimed operations had restarted at the site before Mr Dawson’s body was recovered.

“I have been getting calls and texts from miners since the day after the incident disgusted the mine has resumed production while mines rescue teams are undertaking the recovery of one of their brothers who still lies where he fell,” Queensland District President Stephen Smyth said.

“Mines rescue teams are undertaking the recovery in very difficult circumstances and their safety must be ensured.

“Mineworkers at the mine have been told they can take annual leave if they are uncomfortable resuming normal duties – this is not good enough.

“I’m told the Queensland Mines Minister has also tried to intervene to make the company understand how uncomfortable their workforce is with their decisions.

“Sojitz wouldn’t even let workers have a brief ceremony to mark their colleague’s passing – this is unprecedented in the Queensland coal industry.

“Workers are still coming to terms with this fatal accident and mine management are treating them with zero respect, I have never seen this occur in the 33 years since I have been involved in the Queensland coal sector.”

The incident is being investigated by Resources Safety and Health Queensland.

RSHQ mines inspectors arrived on site on Wednesday morning, hours after the event.

RSHQ was unable to provide any further comment other than the initial statement from Wednesday.

“Resources Safety and Health Queensland (RSHQ) confirms that, tragically, overnight, a miner lost his life and another suffered injuries following a fall of rock from the roof at Crinum underground coal mine near Emerald,” the statement read.

“The injured worker has been transported to hospital for assessment.

“RSHQ mines inspectors are attending site to commence investigations into the nature and cause of the incident.”

A 25-year-old man was also involved in the incident and was trapped for four hours before he was retrieved.

He sustained crush injuries to his legs and pelvis and was flown to Rockhampton Hospital in a serious condition but has since improved to stable.

A third person was taken to Emerald Hospital following a medical episode and has since been released from hospital.