WorkSafe Tasmania is investigating the death of a worker at a mine in Tasmania’s northwest.

Police were called to the Que River mine site near Waratah at around 1pm on Monday following reports a worker had been fatally injured.

Tasmania Police confirmed the man died at the scene and officers are preparing a report for the coroner. The circumstances surrounding the incident have not been disclosed at this stage.

WorkSafe Tasmania has commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident. The regulator will examine workplace safety systems and procedures at the site to determine whether any breaches of work health and safety legislation occurred.

The mine is operated by Stellar Resources, which holds the mining lease for the site. The Que River mine is located approximately 45 kilometres south of Burnie in Tasmania’s northwest mining region.

Mining operations have been suspended at the site whilst investigations are underway. WorkSafe Tasmania has the authority to issue prohibition notices to prevent work continuing where there is an immediate risk to health and safety.

The incident highlights ongoing safety challenges in Tasmania’s mining sector, where workers face significant risks from heavy machinery, underground operations and hazardous materials.

WorkSafe Tasmania regularly conducts compliance activities across the mining industry to ensure operators are meeting their obligations under work health and safety legislation. These activities include workplace inspections, audits of safety management systems and investigations into reported incidents.

Under Tasmanian work health and safety laws, persons conducting a business or undertaking must ensure the health and safety of workers and others at the workplace, so far as is reasonably practicable. This includes providing safe systems of work, adequate training and supervision, and maintaining plant and equipment in safe working order.

Source: ABC News, 14 January 2026