The cause of death of a worker at Vale's Copper Cliff smelter outside Sudbury is still unknown, said the Ministry of Labour.
In an internal memo to employees obtained by Sudbury.com, Vale's head of health, safety, environment and risk said the death appears to be non-occupational.
The employee, who worked for Ontario Electrical Construction Ltd., was working at the 450-foot stacks.
“We do not have a lot of details to share at this point, and the name of the individual has not been released out of respect for the family,” Claire Parkinson said in the memo.
Vale lowered its flag to half-mast at the smelter.
“Our priority is to provide whatever support we can to the individual's family and co-workers as they come to terms with their loss,” Parkinson said.
The Ministry of Labour said an inspector was dispatched to the scene after being notified on May 27.
“No orders or requirements have been issued and our investigation is ongoing,” said Janet Deline, a spokersperson for the Ministry of Labour.
The Coroner's Office is in the process of confirming the cause of death.
