The Ministry of Labour's court case against Glencore for allegedly obstructing their investigation after the death of underground miner Richard Pigeau in 2015 has been adjourned to Sept. 9.
Glencore faces charges of hindering and/or obstructing, and/or interfering with an inspector in the execution of a warrant issued under the Occupational Health and Safety Act, and of failing to furnish all necessary means in the person's power to facilitate a search, investigation, examination or inquiry by an inspector in the execution of a warrant.
Pigeau, 54, was killed at the 1,660-metre level of Glencore's Nickel Rim South Mine when he was struck by a piece of equipment on Oct. 20, 2015.
The ministry could lay more charges against Glencore before Oct. 20, 2016.
If convicted, the company can face a maximum fine of $500,000 per charge. The ministry cannot lay criminal charges through the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
“The tragic loss of Mr. Pigeau is something we continue to take very seriously,” Glencore's Sudbury operations said in a written statement to Sudbury.com. “The investigation spearheaded by the Ministry of Labour received our full co-operation. We also conducted an investigation jointly with union officials with a goal of learning from this fatality.”
The company added it cannot comment on the Ministry of Labour's allegations as the matter is before the courts.
