St Ives mine site death: WorkSafe investigating after man dies near Kambalda

A man has died at the St Ives gold mine in the Goldfields — the second death at the site in 18 months. The 21-year-old died at the site near Kambalda — owned by South Africa’s Gold Fields — about 2.30pm on Tuesday. All work on site has been suspended. Acting WorkSafe Commissioner Sally North confirmed the agency had been notified of the fatality and that investigators would travel to the work site on Wednesday. “Every workplace fatality is a tragedy, and I extend my condolences to the deceased’s family, friends, and colleagues at this difficult time,” she said. “WorkSafe is unable to provide further details at this time while the investigation is ongoing.” WA Police confirmed the fatality is being treated as a workplace death and that a report will be prepared for the coroner. In a statement to The West Australian, Gold Fields acting executive vice-president for Australia, Graeme Ovens said mining operations had ceased. “It is with deep sadness that Gold Fields confirms that a colleague was fatally injured yesterday at the St Ives mine,” Mr Ovens said. “The entire Gold Fields community extends heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and work colleagues of the contractor employee who passed away in the incident. “This is a tragic loss and we are working with our contractors involved and our site teams to support them through this difficult time. “All mining operations were suspended immediately following the incident and will resume when the regulator and the Gold Fields team have determined that work can safely recommence. “Making sure everyone goes home safe and well at the end of each the day is our first and most important value and we continue to work towards eliminating serious injuries and fatalities in our business. “Out of respect for the privacy of those affected by this tragedy, and whilst there are investigations under way, we cannot provide further details.” It is the second death of a miner at St Ives in 18 months. In October 2022, 37-year-old Perth fly-in, fly-out worker Terry Hogan died at the Hamlet underground mine. Mr Hogan was working as a driller on a vent rise in the gold mine, 80km southeast of Kalgoorlie, after he was caught in a rockfall. He was performing airleg mining work as a sub-contractor and was not a direct employee. Gold Fields has been operating the mine since 1981.