A tragedy unfolded early Wednesday morning at the Rainy River gold mine. This mine, situated 65 kilometres northwest of Fort Frances, Ontario, became the site of a fatal incident. New Gold Inc., the Toronto-based company responsible for the mine’s operations, reported the heart-wrenching news. A worker was fatally injured while operating equipment in an open pit.
The company has temporarily halted all operations at the mine. In their official statement, New Gold Inc. expressed deep condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of the deceased worker, emphasizing the gravity of the situation.
The Ontario Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development provided further details. The worker sustained fatal injuries after being struck by material. The ministry has promptly initiated an investigation, dispatching two inspectors to the site on Wednesday afternoon.
The Rainy River gold mine has been operational since 2017, according to a report from CBC News. This incident marks a significant and somber event for New Gold Inc., a company not unfamiliar with regulatory challenges. Back in 2016, the company faced a $100,000 fine for failing to meet conditions regarding the incomplete Teeple Dam. The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry reported that water overtopping the dam had caused sediment to enter a downstream river, highlighting past compliance issues.
The current investigation is ongoing. More details will emerge as the probe continues, shedding light on the circumstances that led to this tragic incident.
