- Westgold Resources (WGX) has reported the accidental death of one of its employees at its Big Bell underground gold mine
- The woman was struck by moving machinery and died whilst being airlifted to Perth by the Royal Flying Doctor Service
- Westgold has temporarily suspended operations at Big Bell and entered a trading halt while investigations are conducted
- This latest death is the third fatality reported at a mine site in Western Australia this year
- Westgold Resources closed 5.58 per cent in the red for $2.63 per share
Westgold Resources (WGX) has reported the accidental death of one of its employees at its Big Bell underground gold mine.
According to the company’s announcement, the worker, a woman, suffered critical injuries after being struck by a mobile plant vehicle. The Royal Flying Doctor Service attempted to airlift her to Perth for further treatment, but she subsequently died whilst en route.
The Big Bell mine is located in Western Australia’s Mid-West, approximately 24 kilometres north-west of Cue. Westgold has temporarily suspended mining operations at Big Bell, although mining and processing activities are continuing at the company’s Cue, Meekatharra, and Fortnum operations.
Westgold Resources’ Executive Chairman, Peter Cook, expressed his condolences to the family and colleagues of the woman who died.
“This devastating news has shaken all of us at Westgold to our core,” he said.
“The safety and wellbeing of our people is a priority to us, which is why we will ensure that a thorough investigation is conducted into this tragic incident,” he added.
Peter went on to say that the company will extend all necessary support to the family and colleagues of the employee during this difficult time.
In addition to suspending operations at Big Bell, Westgold has entered a trading halt, which it will remain under for a full 48-hour period. During this time, an investigation into the incident will be conducted by mine safety inspectors from the WA Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety.
This latest death is the third fatality reported at a mine site in Western Australia this year.
Westgold Resources closed 5.58 per cent in the red for $2.63 per share.