'Tough day': tributes for Beaconsfield mine survivor

News of Mr Russell's death, at age 54, broke on Tuesday, one week after he announced a move home to "see out his days" following an illness.

Mr Russell and his colleague Brant Webb were thrown into the spotlight after surviving the Tasmanian mine collapse on Anzac Day in 2006.

A third miner, Larry Knight, died, and at first it was presumed the duo, in an open-top cage, had suffered the same fate until they were found and rescued 14 days later.

The disaster left a deep mark on Australia's cultural fabric, and was the subject of the 2007 Foo Fighters song Ballad of the Beaconsfield Miners.

Mr Webb said while Mr Russell's family and friends had come to terms with his prognosis two months ago, Tuesday was a sad day. 

"It's gonna be a tough, tough day for (his kids) Trent, Liam, and Maddie," Mr Webb told AAP.

The pair formed a strong bond that saw them do "a lot of good" in the 20 years since the mine collapse. 

"We spent a couple of years together, sort of touring the world raising money for different organisations," Mr Webb said.

"We put bums on seats, and yeah, we had a good time doing all that."

As Mr Russell's illness progressed, Mr Webb revived the post-incident Russell-Webb Legacy foundation in his mate's honour.

He had partnered with Tasmania's Miners Gold Brewery, located at the Beaconsfield Mine and Heritage Centre just 50 metres from where they were trapped, on plans to launch an upcoming commemorative beer batch.

Proceeds were set to restore the foundation and help youth experiencing homelessness.

Former federal Labor leader Bill Shorten, who was ACTU president at the time of the incident, sent his thoughts to Mr Russell's loved ones.

Mr Shorten said he had stayed close with both of the men since their rescue.

"Over the years we stayed in touch, often reflecting on the anniversary of that remarkable rescue and the courage he and Brant Webb, along with their families and work mates, showed while trapped underground for two weeks," he said in a statement.

"Todd faced every challenge with strength and determination, and he fought bravely following his diagnosis, just as he did all those years ago while trapped underground."

Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff and others, including Mr Russell's close friend Liberal MP Michael Ferguson, also paid their respects.

Mr Ferguson recalled seeing his late mate in good spirits as recently as Friday, saying the former miner was thrilled to have returned home.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said he was saddened to hear of Mr Russell's death.

"Todd's stoicism, resilience and good humour during and after that ordeal was the truest encapsulation of the Aussie character," he said.

"We think of his family, his mates and the entire Tasmanian community he gave so much back to."

Mr Russell is survived by his wife Donna, ex-wife Carolyn and their three children.

Beaconsfield Fire Brigade, where Mr Russell formerly worked as brigade chief, thanked him for his years of service.

"Todd dedicated his time and service to the brigade and the community, leaving behind a legacy that will be remembered by those who had the privilege of serving alongside him," the brigade wrote on social media.

"Thank you for your service and dedication. You will be sadly missed."

Last Tuesday, Mr Russell told his followers he had run out of options after eight months at Launceston General Hospital. 

"After years of pain, uncertainty, appointments, treatments, setbacks, and endless battles, plus the emotional exhaustion of having to pick myself up time and time again, have left me with nothing left to give," he posted on social media.

"The time has come medically and (physically) where there are no further options on either front for me and there is no more fight left in me."