Worker dies at St Ives mine site

A 21-year-old man has died after a workplace incident at South African gold miner Gold Fields’ St Ives mine in Widgiemooltha, near Kambalda.

WA Police told Business News local police attended a workplace incident at the mine site just before 3pm yesterday and confirmed a 21-year-old man has died.

WorkSafe has been notified and a report will be prepared for the coroner, police say.

Gold Fields acting executive vice president Australia Graeme Ovens confirmed the incident and said mining operations have stopped.

“It is with deep sadness that Gold Fields confirms that a colleague was fatally injured yesterday at the St Ives mine,” he said.

“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.

“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.

“Out of respect for the privacy of those affected by this tragedy, and whilst there are investigations underway, we cannot provide further details.”

Premier Roger Cook confirmed WorkSafe would be on site immediately to investigate.

"A young mine worker has lost their life. It's very sad and it's obviously horrible for that miner's family and our hearts go out to them," he said.

"WorkSafe will obviously investigate fully to make sure we understand what the issues are in relation to that incident."

Mr Ovens said Gold Fields would continue to work towards eliminating serious injuries and fatalities in the business.

The St Ives mine is one of four mines operated by the Gold Fields in WA and comprises four underground mine areas and seven open pits. 

This is the second workplace death at Gold Fields’ St Ives site in recent years.

In October 2022, a contractor was killed at Gold Fields’ Hamlet underground mine.