Vancouver’s K92 Mining Inc. (TSX: KNT) (OTCQX: KNTNF) has regrettably reported two fatalities at its Kainantu gold mine in Papua New Guinea following an incident involving a vehicle on the underground main incline Wednesday.
The company has not specified exactly how the tragedy occurred, an investigation is currently underway at the site and operations there have been temporarily suspended. K92 says it is doing everything possible to support the victims’ families following the accident.
“On behalf of K92 Mining, we extend our deepest sympathies, heartfelt thoughts and prayers to the family, friends, and co-workers of our two colleagues during this exceptionally difficult period,” said K92’s Director and CEO John Lewins.
The news follows the company reporting two employee fatalities attributable to a vehicular accident in May that occurred offsite from the mining lease area on a country road.
The majority of fatalities in the global mining industry during 2021 (28 per cent) were attributable to accidents involving mobile equipment, according to a report released last year by the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM). Rock falls were the second most significant contributor, accounting for 20 per cent.
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K92 did not report any deaths or significant incidents in 2022, reported zero fatalities for 2021, 2020 and 2019 in its latest sustainability report released last year and only had one lost-time injury during each of those years.
Companies like Australia’s GeoMoby have been developing technology to help improve underground mining safety in recent days. The company’s Underground Real-Time Location and Communication System (RTLS) utilizes Bluetooth and nodes/beacons placed throughout a mine to actively monitor the location of workers and equipment to help prevent accidents.
“It is a valuable, modern tool in the kitbag of any mine manager ensuring the health and safety of large teams working underground,” said GeoMoby’s Founder Chris Baudia.
“Too often, in underground mining, there can be an inability to quickly and accurately locate personnel involved in critical incidents so the relevant emergency response can be employed in a timely manner.”
Michigan’s Digital Terrain is another company developing mining safety technology.
The price of gold dropped by approximately 2.5 per cent this month and it is currently worth $2,526.42 per ounce.
K92 shares dropped by 1.39 per cent Thursday to $5.69 on the Toronto Stock Exchange.
rowan@mugglehead.com
