On 13 July 2020, a serious incident involving an underground worker occurred at the Dervish mine in Western Australia.
Saracen Mineral Holdings Limited (Saracen) said it appeared that the underground worker had fallen from a height, but a full investigation into the incident has been launched.
The Western Australian Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DMIRS) has sent representatives to the site, which is located approximately 164 kilometres from Laverton.
Operations at the company’s Carosue Dam Operations (CDO), which include the Dervish underground mine, were quickly suspended.
In an update on 14 July 2020, Saracen regretfully advised that the underground contractor involved in the incident had passed away.
Saracen Managing Director, Raleigh Finlayson, expressed the company’s deepest sympathy to the worker’s family, friends and colleagues.
“This is an extremely tragic accident and all our thoughts are with his family at this very difficult time,” Mr Finlayson said.
“The health and safety of our people is always our first priority. Saracen is currently working closely with the DMIRS on the continuing investigation, while working with our contract partners to ensure full support is provided to the family and all Saracen employees and contractors.”
On 15 July 2020, ore processing officially resumed, with Saracen stating that underground development and open-pit mining would follow imminently.
The miner is currently reviewing principal hazards and controls, conducting workplace inspections and audits, and developing a return to work plan to ensure stoping activities at CDO can safely resume in the coming days.
