An employee passed away after a subterranean operation caved in.
Authorities are investigating circumstances surrounding the death of a crew member at Victory Minerals’ Mount Clear mine.
WorkSafe representatives were called to the operation when several rocks fell and trapped 31 workers 500 metres underground and 3km from entrance at about 4:50pm on 13 March 2024.
Emergency responders confirmed 29 people, who took refuge in a safety pod, were successfully lifted out of a ventilation shaft. One of the two individuals pinned by rocks was freed and the 21-year-old man was transported to Alfred Hospital then treated for critical leg injuries. Only one employee was still underground at the time of publication.
The Australian Workers Union revealed the pair were trying to perform air legging when “unsupported ground” unexpectedly collapsed.
“We were actually informed that one of their miners was killed at work so it is no longer a rescue, it is now recovery. I am afraid to say he was killed,” state secretary Ronnie Hayden told the Seven Network.
“Our members are angry, the workers are angry, I am angry [and] our organisers are angry. This could have been avoided. We are devastated,” he added on the Nine Network.
The employer confirmed workplace safety and wellbeing was its top “priority”.
“We would like to assure the community we are working as quickly and as safely as we can to help bring this worker to the surface,” it said in a public statement.
“As the new owner, Victory Minerals took operational control of the Ballarat gold mine on 19 December 2023. We bring significant experience and expertise to the mine. We are a safety-first mine operator and respect the work that underground miners perform every day.”
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