The man, whose name was not released, was a technician with Fuchs Lubricants, a contractor at the mine.

According to Centennial, the precise details of circumstances leading to the fatality were not yet known.

However, Australian Associated Press reported that a broken high-pressure hydraulic hose found at the scene was believed to have ruptured and struck the worker.

The body of the miner was found by other workers at the mine on Wednesday. It is understood the man was collecting oil samples at the time of the incident.

In a statement released today, Centennial chief operating officer David Moult sent his condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of the deceased.

“The safety of our people is the company’s number one priority,” Moult said.

“Centennial Coal will assist and cooperate with all relevant authorities to

determine the cause of the incident and is doing everything possible to

support the family and other employees affected by this tragedy.”

In the company’s June quarterly report released yesterday, Centennial said it had maintained a Lost Time Injury Frequency Rate below the NSW underground industry average.