The Ministry of Labour has released the scene of a fatal mining accident at Vale's Coleman Mine to the company.

Ministry spokesperson William Lin said the accident scene was released to Vale Feb. 7 so the company can perform a “cavity monitoring survey,” among other studies required by the ministry.

Stephen Perry, 47, was killed Jan. 29 after rock fell from the face of a drift where he was loading explosives at the 4,215 level of Coleman Mine.

Lin said the ministry asked that the surveys be completed as part of a Jan. 31 order, which involves the company handing over certain documents to the ministry.
The company is also under a number of other ministry orders related to the accident.

These include orders to examine the scene of the accident for hazards and that a certain piece of equipment, an Anfo loader, be inspected before being used again.
Perry was using an Anfo loader when he was killed.

Lin said he didn't know if the Anfo loader being inspected was the one used by Perry.

Greater Sudbury Police are also conducting an investigation alongside the Ministry of Labour.

Staff Sgt. Al Asunmaa said the police are on scene to determine whether criminal charges should be laid in relation to the accident.

Officers have just about concluded their investigation, and at this point, it doesn't look there will be any criminal charges, he said.

Vale and Steelworkers Local 6500 also recently launched a joint investigation into Perry's death, according to Vale spokesperson Angie Robson.

Company and union investigators have already visited the scene of the accident, she said.

Posted by Arron Pickard