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Investigation launched into sudden death at Copper Cliff mine

Worker at Vale’s surface facility was found unresponsive on Feb. 3
vale_superstack
Vale's Copper Cliff operation. (File)

An investigation is underway after a sudden death was reported at Vale’s Copper Cliff Mine South surface facility on Feb. 3.

Greater Sudbury Police spokesperson Kaitlyn Dunn confirmed the incident to Sudbury.com and said the death is under investigation by police along with the Coroner’s Office and the Ministry of Labour, which is standard following a workplace death.

Dunn said in an email GSPS received a call shortly after 8:30 p.m. on Feb. 3 regarding the sudden death of a 59-year-old contract worker on Vale’s property. 

Vale spokesperson Danica Pagnutti said emergency responders dispatched to the scene were unable to resuscitate the individual and the man was transported to a hospital where he was pronounced dead.

“We know this is difficult news for everyone that knew and worked with the individual,” Pagnutti wrote in an email to Sudbury.com. “Our condolences go out to the individual’s family, friends and co-workers.”

A post-mortem examination will be conducted by the Coroner’s Office to determine cause of death. The deceased’s name has not been released.

— Sudbury.com