One dead in Lac des Iles mine accident, near Thunder Bay

One person is dead following an incident at North American Palladium's Lac des Iles mine north of Thunder Bay.

OPP said a 38-year old man died after being pinned under a rock. Police said the mine employee was using a load haul machine to haul rocks 825 metres below the surface.

Police said the mine rescue team responded, but the worker was pronounced dead at the scene. No name is being released pending notification of next of kin.

The company reports the accident happened around 2 p.m. yesterday.

North American Palladium said it would not release any more information and noted the Ministry of Labour, police and union officials are investigating.

The Ministry of Labour reported stop-work orders have been issued for the underground location where the fatality happened, and for the equipment involved.

Two other workplace orders have also been issued:  

• That the ground conditions of the workplace are to be examined for dangers and hazards and, if required, made safe;
• And the employer must establish procedures to ensure employees are in a safe location when equipment is being operated or moved.

The ministry has not yet decided whether charges are warranted under workplace health and safety legislation.

North American Palladium said the company is offering grief counselling to its employees.