For Immediate Release
SUDBURY, May 31, 2012 – Vale today released the following statement regarding charges issued by the Ontario Ministry of Labour this afternoon under the Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act. The charges stem from the Ministry’s investigation into the deaths of Jason Chenier and Jordan Fram at Stobie Mine in June 2011.
“We have received and are in the process of reviewing the charges served by the Ministry of Labour stemming from the tragic deaths of Jason Chenier and Jordan Fram in June 2011. Vale has been charged with nine counts and a staff employee has been charged with six counts under the Act.
As this is a very serious matter, we need to consider the charges very carefully before we determine how we will proceed. Until that time, and as this is now before the court system, we will not be commenting further on this matter.
Our own investigation concluded that there were a number of factors contributing to the tragic deaths of Jason and Jordan. As a result, a plan of action, including more than 30 recommendations, is being implemented to put control measures in place to address the contributing factors identified through our investigation.
The pain is still very real for everyone at Vale, but most of all the families, friends and co-workers who knew Jason and Jordan well. As we consider the legal aspects of this matter, our primary focus will remain on doing everything in our power to ensure a tragedy like this never repeats itself.”
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Contact:
Angie Robson
Manager, Corporate Affairs
Vale, Ontario Operations
(705) 682-5202
angie.robson@vale.com
Cory McPhee
Vice President, Corporate Affairs
Vale, Base Metals
416-361-7669
cory.mcphee@vale.com