Central Australian Gold Mine Incident Claims Worker’s Life
On Wednesday afternoon, a tragic incident at the Tanami gold mine in Central Australia claimed the life of a 47-year-old worker. Newmont, the mining company that operates the mine, confirmed this loss in a statement released early Thursday. They expressed condolences, saying their thoughts are with the worker’s family, friends, and colleagues during this challenging time.
Incident Background
Emergency response protocols were promptly enacted following the incident. Newmont announced their commitment to assist with the ongoing investigation. A spokesperson noted that authorities had been informed and were present at the site.
Police Response and Investigation
- NT Police Force reported the incident around 4 PM on Wednesday.
- Officers from Yuendumu, located 270 kilometers away, established a crime scene.
- Investigators from the Coronial Investigation Unit and Crime Scene Examination Unit are involved.
NT WorkSafe has launched an inquiry into the situation. Initial findings suggest a potential winch failure during a lift as a contributing factor to the incident. Consequently, all operations at the Tanami mine site, located 540 kilometers northwest of Alice Springs, have been suspended.
About the Tanami Gold Mine
The Tanami mine is one of Australia’s largest underground gold mines, reaching over 1.7 kilometers in depth. It operates in the remote Tanami Desert and employs approximately 1,800 fly-in fly-out (FIFO) workers. The mine produces about 400,000 ounces or over 11 tonnes of gold annually.
Newmont has significantly expanded the mine since acquiring it over two decades ago. Recent enhancements have upgraded the site into a tier 1 underground gold asset. According to an industry magazine, the company recently completed projects that resulted in the deepest hoisting shaft in the country.
As the investigation into the Tanami gold mine incident unfolds, Newmont remains focused on supporting both the inquiry and the affected families.
