Detour Gold faces charge of criminal negligence in death of Denis Millette

A criminal charge has been laid against Detour Gold in connection with the death of a man at a mining operation near Cochrane.

On June 3, 2015, OPP say 52-year-old Denis Millette of Matheson was fixing some equipment at the mine. He went into medical distress, and on-site medical staff came to his aid.

Despite that help, Millette subsequently died, and police now say the cause was acute cyanide intoxication.

Detour Gold is charged with criminal negligence causing death, and the police investigation remains open.

A reward of up to $2,000 is offered for information that proves valuable to the investigation, said OPP Constable Renee Taylor.

Safety measures at Detour

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Labour is conducting its own investigation. A spokesperson said they have until the first anniversary of the man's death to decide to lay a charge. That gives the ministry a few more weeks, said Janet Deline.

The mine was ordered to ensure workers wear protective gear — and was required to hand over workplace documents — the day following Millette's death, said Deline.

A few weeks following the incident, on July 27, the ministry ordered Detour Gold to ensure first aid responders received adequate training and to install oxygen kits in high-visibility areas.

The company complied with all of the orders, she said.

The first court appearance in the matter is scheduled for May 10.