West Red Lake Gold Mines has resumed production at Red Lake following the death of one of its workers at the Madsen Mine.
Jessi Korppi, 35, of Thunder Bay, was reportedly struck and fatality injured by equipment on June 16. A GoFundMe page for his family is here.
In a June 25 news release, the company said the mill restarted 40 hours after the accident followed by the mine 12 hours later.
After an inspector and engineer from the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development were assigned to the case, three requirements and six orders were issued to the company. The ministry did not elaborate on the details as the investigation is still ongoing, said a spokesperson.
Activity is returning to normal at the site, 10 kilometres southeast of the town of Red Lake.
“With the clear exception of the tragic underground incident, ramp-up at the Madsen Mine is progressing well,” said Shane Williams, president-CEO in a statement.
“We look forward to increasing mining rates over the coming months as ramp-up equipment arrives on site and we access additional mining areas, keeping in mind the company’s number one priority is operational safety.”
The company said it has sold 5,250 ounces of gold year to date, at an average price of US$3,330 per ounce.
Madsen entered production last month after being placed on care and maintenance in October 2022 when the previous operator entered CCAA protection. West Red Lake acquired the mine and mill in 2023.
