The death of a third coal mine worker in six months has hit central Queensland's Issac region hard.
Excavator operator David Routledge died after a wall collapsed at Middlemount Coal Mine about 1pm on Wednesday.
Emergency crews spent hours trying to reach Mr Routledge, who was reportedly operating a digger at the time.
He was pronounced dead at the mine about 8pm, police told AAP.
Issac region mayor Anne Baker said it was the third loss of life in the region in the past six months following earlier deaths at Saraji Mine and Moranbah North Mine.
"As a coal-producing region whose communities and history is closely tied to the workforces of our local mines, this tragedy reaches deep into the hearts of all our residents," she said on Thursday.
"It is a reminder of the inherent dangers our local workers face every day working in the resources sector."
Operations have been suspended at the mine.
Queensland Mines Minister Anthony Lynham said every worker deserved to come home safe.
There will be a thorough investigation by the Mines Inspectorate, he added.
