SUDBURY – Ontario Ministry of Labour officials have confirmed that two people have died in a mining accident near Sudbury. The accident, reportedly a collapse in the mine.
The company, First Nickel Inc., issued a media release this morning stating that “The company reports that an accident has occurred at its underground operations at the Lockerby Mine near Sudbury, Ontario. Mine rescue operations are underway to locate and assess the condition of two contractors. All other workers have reported in safely”.
“All underground activities except emergency requirements were suspended immediately upon knowledge of the accident. FNI will continue to update the situation as more information becomes available.”
In addition this morning the trading of the companies stock on the TSX was suspended from 08:53AM EDT until 10:38AM EDT.
During January and February, Ministry of Labour inspectors visited and inspected underground mines across Ontario to ensure hoisting plants have proper locking and tagging procedures in place to protect workers and help keep them safe.
Hoisting plants, which carry miners, materials, and equipment from the surface and underground in mines, were checked to ensure:
- Safety measures are in place when performing repairs or other work to hoisting equipment.
- Written procedures are in place for locking and tagging.
- Workers are trained on various lockout devices and personal protective equipment needed when working on electrical equipment.
Thirteen blitzes focused on the mining sector have been conducted in the past five years, including two in the past twelve months.
