A 53-year-old contractor from Maldon died in a devastating underground incident at Agnico Eagle’s Fosterville Gold Mine near Bendigo, Victoria, on December 5, 2025.
The man, employed by Macmahon Holdings, became trapped under machinery — specifically a cable bolter — while working approximately 1.6 kilometres underground around 11:30 am.
Emergency services responded promptly, but the worker succumbed to his injuries, marking the 53rd confirmed workplace fatality in Victoria for 2025, up from 48 at the same point last year.
Agnico Eagle, the Canadian-based operator of Australia’s largest gold mine, confirmed the tragedy and suspended operations temporarily to prioritise safety and support.
The company is collaborating with the contractor and authorities, including WorkSafe Victoria and police, for a thorough investigation, which is not deemed suspicious.
Operations resumed on December 8 following emergency response protocols.
Fosterville, located 15 to 20 kilometres east of Bendigo and two hours northwest of Melbourne, has been a high-production site since Agnico Eagle acquired it in 2016, yielding significant gold output amid Victoria’s robust mining industry.
The incident drew widespread grief from the Australian minerals sector.
The Minerals Council of Australia (MCA) expressed deep sympathies to the victim’s family, friends, workmates, and community, while thanking first responders.
Industry voices on platforms like Jobs in Mining called it “a very sad day”, underscoring ongoing safety challenges in underground operations.
This event echoes prior tragedies, such as the March 2024 rockfall at Ballarat Gold Mine that killed 37-year-old Kurt Hourigan and injured another worker, prompting charges against operators after a 20-month probe.
WorkSafe’s probe highlights persistent risks in mining machinery handling and deep-level work, amid calls for enhanced protocols.
Agnico Eagle emphasised family support, stating it is working closely with Macmahon to assist during this period.
As investigations continue, the sector reflects on bolstering safety measures to prevent future losses.
