Lac Des Iles miner was fatally injured in a run of muck

THUNDER BAY - The death of a New Brunswick man at the Lac Des Iles Mine north of Thunder Bay was the result of a run of muck underground.

The incident took place on Wednesday at approximately 2:30 p.m. According to the Ministry of Labour, Edward Gallant, 64, of Dunlop, N.B. was fatally injured in a run of muck underground.

A run of muck is defined as an uncontrolled flow of blasted rock and is listed on the Ministry of Labour website as a potential hazard facing miners working underground. 

Workers in the area and mine rescue responded to the incident and Gallant was transported from the site by Superior North EMS and was pronounced dead by paramedics.

The incident is under investigation by the Ontario Provincial Police, the Ministry of Labour, and the Regional Coroner’s Office.

In a statement from Impala Canada, which owns and operates the mine, said operations in the area have been suspended and the area has been secured.

“We are deeply saddened by this most unfortunate accident,” said Erin Satterthwaite, VP corporate affairs and communications with Impala Canada.

“Nothing is more important than the health and safety of everyone at LDI. We extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of the deceased. Grief counselling is available for employees and contractors.”

Gallant was employed by SCR Mining and Tunneling, which is based in Sudbury, Ont.

The Ontario Provincial Police Forensic Identification Unit is assisting with the investigation. A spokesperson with the OPP said mining deaths usually result in an inquest investigation and police are often involved in gathering information and assisting the Ministry of Labour and the Regional Coroner’s Office.

The Ministry of Labour is sending an inspector and engineer to the scene.

“We are working collaboratively with the contracting company, Ontario Provincial Police and the Ontario Ministry of Labour as we investigate this incident,” Satterthwaite said. “Our focus will remain on our community of workers, families and loved ones during this difficult time. Safety remains our number one priority and all COVID-19 pandemic protocols will continue to be strictly followed.”