Attempt to recover Tas miner's body fails

The first attempt to retrieve the body of a worker killed in an underground collapse at a mine on Tasmania's west coast has failed.

Cameron Goss, 44, was driving a loader about 700m below the surface when it was crushed by rocks three weeks ago.

Mining services contractor PYBAR said the recovery operation at Henty Gold Mine was proving complex and challenging.

"This is a disappointing outcome, but the team on site has done and continues to do everything possible to recover Cameron," PYBAR CEO Brendan Rouse said in a statement.

"All personnel on-site are being carefully managed to prevent fatigue and ensure their safety at all times. We will continue with the recovery efforts."

Operations at the mine remain suspended after the accident involving Mr Goss, who was from nearby Queenstown.

Three-dimensional pictures have shown the cabin of the loader buried in rocks. Thermal imagery taken shortly after the collapse failed to find any sign of life.

Counselling services are available for staff at the mine.

Queenstown was shaken six years ago when three workers were killed in two separate incidents at the Mt Lyell copper mine.