Worker dies at B.C. gold mine, marking 3rd fatality connected to the site since 2018
![Brucejack Mine The Pretium Resources Brucejack Mine in northwestern B.C. is seen in this photo from the company's website.](/content/dam/ctvnews/en/images/2021/2/12/brucejack-mine-1-5307622-1666974991750.jpeg)
A worker has died after an incident at a B.C. gold mine, leading to operations being suspended while an investigation is underway.
In a statement, Newcrest Mining Limited said a worker died at the Brucejack Mine, which is north of Stewart, in the province’s northwestern corner. The fatal incident happened last Saturday and involved a contract worker from Procon, the company said.
"This is devastating news that no one ever wants to hear. The feeling of profound sadness when a life is lost is never forgotten," said Sandeep Biswas, Newcrest's managing director and CEO, in a news release.
"Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the family and those close to our colleague during this very difficult and emotional time."
Biswas said incident management crews and rescue crews worked "around the clock" to make sure teams were able to safely access the site of the incident.
"The loss of a colleague is far reaching and long lasting. This incident is a stark reminder that there is nothing more important than people’s safety, health and wellbeing," he said.
Operations are suspended for now while investigations are being conducted, Newcrest's statement said.
3RD FATALITY SINCE 2018
B.C.'s Ministry of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation confirmed with CTV News Vancouver this is the third fatality connected to the site since February 2018.
In 2018, a contract worker was fatally injured while doing maintenance. That incident occurred off the actual mining site, so WorkSafeBC had jurisdiction over the investigation, the ministry said. The company was fined $159,811 in connection to the man's death.
Then, just over two years later, a worker was hit in the head by a blocked tailings line and sustained critical injuries. Even though the worker was airlifted to hospital, they died two days later.
The ministry was in charge of that investigation and issued an administrative penalty of $150,000.
Regarding the latest incident, the ministry said an investigation is ongoing in partnership with local RCMP, as required by standard protocols.
"Our hearts go out to the worker’s family, friends and colleagues during this difficult time," the ministry's statement said.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.6976926.1721883767!/httpImage/image.png_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.png)
LIVE UPDATES Multiple homes, businesses 'lost' to wildfire in Jasper National Park: Parks Canada
Officials from Parks Canada and Jasper say "multiple structures, including a number of businesses and homes, in and around the town of Jasper, have been lost" to wildfire in Jasper National Park.
Alberta premier says a third, perhaps half, of all Jasper buildings destroyed by fire
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says early reports indicate a third and perhaps up to half of all buildings in the historic Rocky Mountain resort town of Jasper have burned in a wildfire.
Prince William's 2023 salary revealed in new report
Newly released financial reports show that William, the Prince of Wales, drew a salary of $42.1 million last fiscal year, his first since inheriting the vast and lucrative Duchy of Cornwall.
Tourist suffers 3rd-degree burns to feet after losing flip flops amid soaring temperatures in Death Valley
A tourist was hospitalized after suffering serious burns on his feet on Saturday when he lost his flip flops at a U.S. national park where temperatures soared past 48 Celsius.
'There's mom and dad's house': New video appears to show destruction of Jasper neighbourhood
Video posted to social media on Thursday morning appears to show the charred remains of a Jasper, Alta., neighbourhood.
Former judge with disputed Cree heritage likely has Indigenous DNA: law society
The Law Society of British Columbia says a DNA test shows a former judge and Order of Canada recipient accused of falsely claiming to be Cree "most likely" has Indigenous heritage.
Australian field hockey player opts to amputate part of his finger in order to compete in Paris Olympics
In the run up to the Paris Olympics, athletes have been stepping up their preparations in order to maintain their edge over competitors. But for Australia’s Matt Dawson, those preparations looked a little different this year, with the field hockey player opting to have part of his finger amputated in order to compete in the Games.
Canada to bring home fewest Olympic medals since 2012, according to forecaster
Fewer Canadians are expected to reach the Paris podium than in the previous two Olympic Summer Games, a global data analytics company predicts.
Jennifer Aniston criticizes JD Vance for 'childless cat ladies' remarks: 'I pray that your daughter is fortunate enough to bear children'
Jennifer Aniston is criticizing JD Vance for comments he made in his past about women without children.