Search under way after man falls into mine shaft in NSW Hunter Valley

A search operation is underway for a man who is believed to have fallen down a mine shaft in the NSW Hunter Valley, about 15 kilometres south of Cessnock.

Emergency services were called to Dry Creek Road, Ellalong, about 12:45pm today after reports of a workplace incident.

They were told at the scene that a man had fallen into a decommissioned mine shaft.

Police officers are attempting to locate the man.

Police rescue, NSW Ambulance, and Fire and Rescue NSW personnel are still on the scene.

The operation is expected to continue for some time, according to police.