Investigation into Waihi miner's death underway

Tipiwai Stainton, 29, was a Waihi Gold Mines Rescue Team member. PHOTO: Jason Urlich.

Workers at the mine where a 29-year-old was killed are receiving support as an investigation into the accident continues.

The mining union, E tū, has been supporting workers at Oceanagold Waihi, as the company investigates the death of mine worker, Tipiwai Stainton.

The investigation got underway this week into the death of Mr Stainton, who died at the Correnso mine in Waihi on July 28 while operating a loader underground.

E tū organiser Myles Leeson has met with the company's general manager, Bernie O'Leary, and said the union was fully involved with the investigation.

He said the company has brought in an Australian consultant who yesterday concluded interviews with employees who were part of the investigation.

He said he attended those interviews in support of the workers involved.

The company was now waiting for reports on the vehicle which Mr Stainton was operating at the time of his death.

Part of the site has reopened and "the realities are hitting home for workers."

"They're back at work and Tip's not there, so they're having to deal with that," Mr Leeson said.

The company would report its findings to Worksafe once its investigation was completed.

It was hoped the investigation would reveal exactly what happened "so we can learn the lessons and prevent another tragedy like this one" Mr Leeson said.