A worker at Hudbay's Lalor mine has died after an accident underground June 19.
Hudbay confirmed the death in a statement to The Reminder June 20, saying the death took place during the night shift and an investigation into what caused the death was underway. The person who died has not been officially identified, but was confirmed to be an employee of a contractor working underground at the mine.
"A worker employed by a service provider to Hudbay passed away as a result of an accident underground at our Lalor mine in Snow Lake," reads the Hudbay statement.
"This is a tragic situation and we are profoundly saddened by this unfortunate incident. Our hearts go out to the individual’s family, friends and colleagues during this difficult time."
In a press release issued after the initial statement to the Reminder, Hudbay confirmed that the worker’s death was caused by a fall underground.
“No other personnel were injured and the scene has been secured. All underground mining operations at the Lalor mine have been suspended while an investigation is completed,” reads the press release.
The death is the first reported at Lalor mine since it opened in 2012 and the first death reported at a Hudbay mine facility since earlier that year, when a Hudbay employee died at 777 mine.
A press release issued by Manitoba RCMP said the victim, identified by police as a 59-year-old man from Brandon, fell while working.
“Workers on scene administered first aid and rescue personnel transported the male out of the mine. He was taken to the hospital where he was pronounced deceased,” reads the police release.
“RCMP, along with Workplace Safety and Health, continue to investigate.”
The Reminder has learned that the worker was employed by Dumas Mine Contracting, one of the main contracting companies operating in northern Manitoba. The Reminder reached out to Dumas for comment on the accident, but had not received any as of press time.
“On behalf of the council and administration of the Town of Snow Lake, we wish to express our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and colleagues affected by the death of a worker at the Lalor mine,” reads an online statement from Snow Lake Mayor Peter Roberts.
In remembrance of the fallen miner, Snow Lakers and mining personnel across northern Manitoba put out hard hats as a tribute.
