Equipment company accused of unsafe environment as charges laid in Gahcho Ku mine death

Charges have been laid againstSMS Equipment Inc. a year afterthe death of an employee at theGahcho Kudiamond mine in the N.W.T.

Theworker was employed bytheheavy equipment dealer that sells and services machinery to construction, forestry, mining and road maintenance companies.It was the first deathreported at the mine site.

"Our top priority is to ensure the employee's family and co-workers have the support they need during this incredibly difficult time," said a SMS Equipment Inc. spokesperson at the time of the death on Sept. 1, 2022.

The Workers' Safety and Compensation Commission (WSCC) filed seven charges on Aug. 25, 2023,for allegedviolations of safety and mine healthacts. It's alleged there was a"failure to maintain an environment wherestaff arenot likely to be endangered."

"It failed to take every reasonable measure to protect the health and safety of their employees, as well as other offences," said the WSCC in a news release.

The Gahcho Ku diamond mine located roughly 280 kilometres northwest of Yellowknife isa joint venture between De Beers Group and Mountain Province Diamonds, whichofficially opened in 2016.

The charges were filed following a months-longinvestigation by WSCCsafety officers. The first court appearance is scheduled for Oct.24in Yellowknife.

"As the matter is now before the courts, WSCC is not able to provide further information or comment at this time," said the organization.

When reached bytelephone, a spokesperson forSMS EquipmentInc. declined to comment.