This article came from the CBC News website: http://www.cbc.ca/news/
Sudbury-area fatality the 4th this year at Vale mines
The president of the Steelworkers union local in Sudbury is calling Sunday’s mining fatality “unacceptable.” A 47-year-old man was killed Sunday afternoon while working at Vale’s Coleman Mine in Levack, Ont., northwest of Sudbury.
“It’s a really difficult … I’m very angry,” Rick Bertand said. “And the reason for that is … four fatalities in seven months is unacceptable — three in Sudbury, one in Thompson [Man.].” Ministry of Labour investigators are on the scene.
“All we know at this time is a worker was loading the face of the rock with explosives, from a man-basket, when the incident occurred,” said ministry spokesman Matt Blajer.
The ministry has issued two requirements to Vale: that it not disturb the area and any equipment until it’s released by one of the ministry inspectors and to release a number of documents related to training and equipment. Bertand said a plan needs to be forged when it comes to health and safety at Vale mines.
“I think what we need to do is sit down in the room together — the Steelworkers and Vale — and have discussions about the health and safety and where we’re at and where we need to go, because … this is unacceptable,” Bertand said. “This can’t continue to happen.”
Mining giant Vale said the worker died after some ore came loose from a heading. The man’s name is being withheld at this time.
The employee, who had 16 years experience with Vale, was working in the main ore body at the 4,215-foot level of Coleman mine. He was found and brought to the surface, where he was subsequently pronounced dead by medical authorities.
“We are saddened and devastated by the loss of this employee,” said Kelly Strong, vice-president mining and milling (North Atlantic Operations) and general manager, Ontario Operations.
“Our deepest sympathies and prayers go out to the employee’s family, and everyone who knew and worked with him. Our efforts are now focused on supporting the family and our employees at the mine site, and on understanding exactly what occurred.”
The accident is also being investigated by the Greater Sudbury Police Services and representatives of Vale and the United Steelworkers Local 6500.
Vale has temporarily suspended work at its mines in Sudbury.
Last June, Jason Chenier and Jordan Fram were killed underground while working at Stobie Mine in Sudbury.
The two were overtaken by a run of rock material or “muck,” when they opened a gate and the material overflowed into the area where they were working.
Sunday’s fatality comes on the heels of a report released by Vale Wednesday, which discussed outcomes of the company’s investigation into that accident.