The body of a man killed in the Crinum mine collapse in Central Queensland has been recovered, more than three days after a rock fall which also seriously injured a co-worker.

The news came as CFMEU Mining and Energy Union Queensland District president Stephen Smyth expressed outrage, saying the union had been fielding calls and texts from workers at the sister Gregory open-cut operation in recent days, upset about people being asked to resume work before the man’s body had been recovered.

However the owner of the Gregory Crinum complex, Sojitz Blue, says all operational activities at that site remain suspended.

Contractor Mastermyne confirmed that employee Graham Dawson’s body was recovered this afternoon (Saturday, September 18).

Mastermyne managing director and chief executive officer Tony Caruso said his company continued to be in close contact with the family of Mr Dawson, 62, to provide support as they dealt with their loss.

“Our thoughts are with the family and we would ask that everyone respects their need for privacy at such a difficult time,” he said.

“We thank Resources Safety and Health Queensland, Queensland Mines Rescue Service, Queensland Police and our own teams for their efforts to recover the body.

“All operational activities at the Crinum underground mine, which is operated by Mastermyne, remain suspended and will not resume until further notice and in consultation with Mr Dawson’s family.”

Sojitz Blue chief executive officer Cameron Vorias said operations at the nearby Gregory open-cut mine also remained suspended and would recommence after the Miners Memorial Day service on Sunday.

“All operational activities in the open-cut were suspended at the time of the incident in the Crinum underground mine, out of respect for the mine workers who were affected,” he said.

“The management and staff at the open-cut offer their sympathies to the family of the fallen miner.”

Mastermyne Group has a $600 million contract to bring the mothballed Crinum underground site back into operation for Sojitz Blue, which gained control of the Gregory Crinum complex in 2019 after acquiring it from BMA for $100 million.

The Gregory open-cut part of the coking coal complex is already in production, employing about 270 people in the Emerald region.

Mr Smyth said he had been receiving calls and texts from miners disgusted that the open-cut mine had resumed some activities while mines rescue teams were still undertaking the recovery of Mr Dawson at Crinum.

Mr Smyth said there had been mixed messages coming from management, with some workers being told they could take annual leave if they were uncomfortable resuming normal duties.

“I guess they are putting to people, and this concerns me, you can do this if you want and if they say no, as I understand, they haven’t been pushing it. But on the night shift last night we had people telling people that if they don’t want to do normal duties they can take annual leave,” he said.

It is understood work being carried out at the Gregory site since the Crinum incident has included tasks such as pumping, maintenance work, and safety and health management functions.