Worker Dies in Central B.C. Gold Mine Accident
In a tragic incident at a gold mine in central British Columbia, a contractor has lost their life. This accident occurred at the Cariboo Gold project operated by Osisko Development Corp. The company confirmed that the worker was injured on the surface during an isolated incident on Thursday.
Details of the Incident
Osisko Development reported that emergency authorities were promptly notified. An investigation is currently underway to determine the exact circumstances of this accident, marking it as the third mining-related death in British Columbia in two months.
Previous Fatalities in B.C. Mines
- A fatal incident at Taseko Mines’ Gibraltar operation near Williams Lake in late November.
- A miner was found dead at an Elk Valley Resources site close to Sparwood, near the Alberta boundary.
About the Cariboo Gold Project
The Cariboo Gold project is located approximately 75 kilometers from Quesnel. Although still in the development stage, it received environmental assessment permits in 2024. Osisko Development emphasizes that this scalable underground operation is anticipated to produce around 1.89 million ounces of gold over its projected 10-year mine life.
Company Response
Sean Roosen, CEO of Osisko, expressed profound sorrow regarding the recent accident. He stated, “We are deeply saddened by this tragic accident and extend our heartfelt condolences and support to our colleague’s family, friends, and coworkers during this difficult time.” Roosen reiterated that the health and safety of all employees and contractors is the company’s utmost priority.
As the investigation continues, the gold mining operations at the Cariboo site remain temporarily halted. The company is committed to ensuring that safety protocols are thoroughly evaluated and enhanced to prevent future incidents.
