Original source (on modern site)
A 21-year-old man has died at the St Ives gold mine near Kambalda in Western Australia's Goldfields. The Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DMIRS) confirmed that the fatal incident - the second at one of the state's biggest gold mines in 18 months - occurred yesterday afternoon. At this stage the industry regulator and the company are not releasing any details about the circumstances of the man's death. WA Police and WorkSafe investigators are on the scene this morning. St Ives is owned by South African mining giant Gold Fields and has been operating since 1981. It is the second fatality at St Ives in 18 months — 37-year-old Perth FIFO worker Terry Hogan died at the Hamlet underground mine in October 2022. The St Ives gold mining operations take in the Lake Lefroy salt lake near Kambalda.(Supplied: Gold Fields) In a statement to the ABC, Gold Fields acting executive vice president for Australia Graeme Ovens said mining operations had been suspended. "It is with deep sadness that Gold Fields confirms that a colleague was fatally injured yesterday at the St Ives mine," he said. "The entire Gold Fields community extends heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and work colleagues of the contractor employee who passed away in the incident. "This is a tragic loss and we are working with our contractors involved and our site teams to support them through this difficult time. "All mining operations were suspended immediately following the incident and will resume when the regulator and the Gold Fields team have determined that work can safely recommence. "Making sure everyone goes home safe and well at the end of each the day is our first and most important value and we continue to work towards eliminating serious injuries and fatalities in our business." Mr Ovens said the company would not be providing any further details "out of respect for the privacy of those affected by the tragedy, and whilst there are investigations underway". The safety regulator DMIRS has confirmed the incident is the first fatality on a mine site in WA's massive resources industry this year. There were two deaths in the Pilbara last year. In February 2023, Jody Byrne, 51, was killed after being struck by a locomotive at BHP's railyards near Port Hedland. Contractor Kieren McDowall, 20, was killed at the Onslow Iron project in June last year. "Every workplace fatality is a tragedy, and I extend my condolences to the deceased's family, friends, and colleagues at this difficult time," acting WorkSafe commissioner Sally North said in a statement. "WorkSafe is unable to provide further details at this time while the investigation is ongoing." WA Police will prepare a report for the coroner. Posted 24 Apr 202424 Apr 2024Wed 24 Apr 2024 at 1:09am, updated 24 Apr 202424 Apr 2024Wed 24 Apr 2024 at 2:45am'Heartfelt condolences'
First fatality of 2024