Operator fined over death of NT mine worker

A Northern Territory mine operator has been fined almost half a million dollars for breaching the Work Health and Safety Act (2011) after the death of a mine worker four years ago.

The mine operator was fined $487,500 at the Darwin local court after pleading guilty to multiple charges under the WHS Act following the 2019 fatal incident.

The 59-year-old man died after a wall collapsed at a mine north of Tennant Creek.

The Northern Territory’s Work Health and Safety Regulator, Ms Peggy Cheong said recommendations made by specialist consultants were ignored by the company.

“Mining is a high risk industry and it is imperative that any recommendations made for the safe operation of the mine are not set aside for operational efficiencies,” Ms Cheong said.

The court also ordered the company to pay $193,000 in costs.

More details here.