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Rescue teams at the Roa Coal Mine, owned by the Roa Mining Company, said although they are yet to get to the man they believe he is deceased, radio station Newstalk ZB reported.
The underground mine, situated on the west coast of the South Island, 30km northeast of Greymouth, has been undergoing a significant expansion program since 2001 to open new access drives to the coal reserves.
Mines rescue, ambulance staff and a rescue helicopter were all called to the scene.
Family members of all the miners have been notified.
