The Hunter mining community is mourning the death of a worker following an incident at the United Wambo mine in the Hunter Valley.

Details surrounding the incident have not yet been released, with investigations now underway to determine what occurred.

A Mining and Energy Union safety officer is on site as inquiries begin.

NSW Minerals Council chief executive Stephen Galilee said the tragedy was a sombre reminder of the risks faced by those working in the mining industry.

“This tragedy highlights the hazards faced by those working in our industry and is a sombre reminder of why the safety of our workforce must always be our number one priority,” he said.

“The thoughts of tens of thousands of miners across NSW will tonight be with the family and colleagues of the deceased, and also with the Hunter mining community at this difficult time.”

The worker’s death is expected to be felt across the region, where mining communities are built around generations of workers, families and close workplace relationships.

A statement issued following the incident urged people across the industry to check in with their workmates over the coming days.

“Our mining communities are built on hard work, mateship and looking out for one another,” it said.

“When we lose one of our own, the impact is felt right across the Hunter.

“Every worker deserves to go home safely at the end of every shift. There is nothing more important than making sure our workers are protected.”

The statement also extended condolences to the worker’s family, friends, colleagues and everyone at the mine affected by the incident.

Further information is expected to be released as investigations progress.

Get all the latest Newcastle news, sport, real estate, entertainment, lifestyle and more delivered straight to your inbox with the Newcastle Weekly Daily Newsletter. Sign up here.