Two fatalities in the space of three days have shaken the mining industry in Western Australia.
The latest disaster, which happened in the Karlawinda gold mine in the isolated northern Pilbara area of the state, is being investigated, according to WorkSafe Mines.
The death occurs only two days after one at the St. Ives gold mine in the southeast of Western Australia.
The Karlawinda tragedy this morning involves a contractor contracted by MACA.
Police from WA and inspectors from WorkSafe have been sent to the scene to look into what transpired.
The miner’s family and coworkers were being provided assistance, according to MACA Chief Executive Officer David Greig.
He told The Westralian, “Our sympathies are with the family, friends, and coworkers of our colleague.”
“We will be here to help the family of our colleague and our staff as we all work through this awful tragedy,” the company said.
The family has also received condolences from the mine’s operator, Capricorn Metals, who said that everyone at the site had been “shocked” by the loss.
The family, relatives, and coworkers of the MACA employee have our sincere sympathies, stated Capricorn Executive Chairman Mark Clark.
The Pilbara incident has also been reported to the police.
Any fatality at work is tragic, according to Darren Kavanagh, commissioner of WorkSafe Western Australia.
He sent his heartfelt sympathies to the employee’s friends, family, and coworkers.
About 250 employees and contractors work at the Karlawinda mine, which generated its first gold in June of last year.
A contractor lost his life on Wednesday at the St. Ives mine.
A second contractor was hurt in the incident but very slightly.
The owner of a mine in South Africa, Gold Fields, called the death a “devastating loss” for the “close-knit staff.”
The St. Ives facility has been closed until a Worksafe and police inquiry has determined it is safe to reopen.
Gold Fields said that it will fully assist law enforcement.