A US Mine Safety and Health Administration spokesperson confirmed to ILN the 54-year-old worker – identified by local media as Robert Cook – was normally a scoop operator for Matrix Energy’s Czar operation but was filling in for an absent CM operator.

“It is reported that the victim was supposed to operate-move the mining machine to begin mining, and was discovered when other section crew members arrived at the mining machine’s location,” the agency noted.

“This is sad and tragic, and our thoughts and prayers are with the family of this miner,” Energy and Environment Cabinet secretary Len Peters told WYMT.

“We must continue our efforts as regulators and companies to ensure a safe working environment for the thousands of men and women who work above and below ground each day to provide this energy resource to the Commonwealth.”

Both state and federal investigators were onsite on Friday afternoon and MSHA confirmed its investigation has commenced.

The fatality is the first in the state of Kentucky in 2011.

The Martin County bituminous mine began operations in September 2002, according to federal data.

It had 13 non-fatal days lost operator injuries in 2010, when it produced more than 1.7 million tons.