Operation launched to find man missing in unused mine shaft in NSW

A police operation is underway as officers work to locate a man believed to have fallen down a mine shaft in the NSW Hunter Valley region.

Emergency services were called to Dry Creek Rd, Ellalong, about 12km from Cessnock, about 12.45pm on Tuesday.

NSW Police said they were told that a man had fallen into a decommissioned mine shaft.

Emergency services including Police Rescue, NSW Ambulance, and Fire and Rescue NSW have raced to the scene.

7NEWS understands the Austar Coal Mine operates along Dry Creek Road, near where the man was found.