Worker killed in ‘tragic accident’ at B.C. gold mine

An aerial photo from the Cariboo Gold Project website.

A worker was killed Thursday at a British Columbia gold mine, marking the third workplace death at a B.C. mine site in the past two months.

Osisko Development says the contract worker “suffered a fatal injury following an isolated incident” at the company’s Cariboo Gold Project mine near the historic gold-rush town of Barkerville.

The company says it has notified the authorities of the incident and an investigation is underway. Operations at the site have been suspended while the investigation progresses.

“We are deeply saddened by this tragic accident and extend our heartfelt condolences and support to our colleague’s family, friends and coworkers during this difficult time,” said Sean Roosen, the CEO and chairman of Osisko, in a statement Friday.

“The health, safety and wellbeing of all employees and contractors working at the project is our highest priority.”

Montreal-based Osisko is in the midst of a hiring spree at its Cariboo Gold Project mine, which is still in the development phase after earning environmental assessment certificates and permits from the province in 2023 and 2024, and raising hundreds of millions of dollars in loans and investments last year.

In 2023, the B.C. government estimated the mine would employ about 200 workers during its construction phase, and roughly 500 during operations, with “the potential to advance reconciliation” with local First Nations through employment, procurement and economic spinoffs in the community.

The contractor’s death highlights the dangers of an industry that has claimed the lives of at least three workers in B.C. since November.

A 39-year-old man was found dead following a workplace incident at an Elk Valley Resources coal mine near Sparwood on Nov. 20. The company said the contractor was conducting maintenance work at the Elkview Operations mine when the fatal incident occurred.

The following day, a worker was killed in an accident at the Gibraltar copper mine, operated by Taseko Mines Ltd., near Williams Lake.