Officials are examining how a resources employee passed away at an underground operation.
One contractor recently died and a colleague suffered minor injuries at Gold Fields’ St Ives Mine, 80km south of Kalgoorlie.
The South Africa-headquartered proponent confirmed the fatality occurred on October 12 at the Hamlet underground operation within the same mine. The injured coworker received emergency medical treatment and was later discharged from hospital.
“It is a devastating loss for our close-knit team, especially our underground crew who have a unique camaraderie,” Gold Fields Australasia executive vice president Stuart Mathews said according to News Limited.
“On behalf of our Gold Fields team I extend my heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and work colleagues of our business partner employee who has passed away.”
Work was suspended to allow the company, Western Australian Police Force and WorkSafe WA to investigate the scene.
“All mining operations at our St Ives mine have been suspended and will resume only once we, and the relevant authorities, are satisfied that work can safely recommence,” Mathews said according to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.
“WorkSafe mine safety inspectors and WA Police are on-site and are investigating the incident,” commissioner Darren Kavanagh added according to Fairfax Media.
Federal Resources and Northern Australia Minister Madeleine King acknowledged the hazardous and potentially deadly conditions mine employees can face.
“It reminds us of how dangerous the resources sector and mining can be and the importance of safety in the workplace, and the laser-like focus we have to have on that. I just want to offer my commiserations to the family of the worker that has sadly and tragically died, and also to his coworkers and those first responders who will, no doubt, be subject to grief and trauma,” she told the broadcaster.
The Australian Workers Union called on the government and employers to do more to ensure every worker returns home “safely to their family”.
Investigations continue.
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