21-Year-Old Contractor Dies at St Ives Gold Mine in Western Australia

A 21-year-old contractor named Eli Kelly died while working at the St Ives gold mine in the Goldfields region of Western Australia on Tuesday, April 23, 2024. Police were called to the mine site around 3 pm and confirmed the workplace fatality, which is being treated as a workplace accident.

Kelly suffered a crush injury and died at the scene. His partner Lydia Higgins and other family members and friends expressed grief over the tragic loss, describing him as a "wonderful human" and "amazing young man."

WorkSafe Commissioner Sally North said WA Police, WorkSafe investigators, and scene examiners were on-site on Wednesday to conduct an examination and investigation. A report will be prepared for the coroner.

Why this matters: This is the second death at the St Ives gold mine in the past 18 months, raising concerns about workplace safety in Western Australia's mining industry. The incident highlights the ongoing risks faced by workers in the sector and the importance of stringent safety measures to prevent such tragedies.

The mine is owned by the South African company Gold Fields. Acting executive vice president Australia Graeme Ovens expressed deep sadness and said the company is working to support the family, friends, and colleagues of the deceased contractor employee. Gold Fields has suspended all mining operations at the site until it is determined that work can safely resume.

Premier Roger Cook described the incident as "very sad" and noted that Kelly is the latest fatality at the St Ives mine, following the death of 37-year-old Terry Hogan in a rockfall in October 2022. The mining community has expressed condolences to Kelly's loved ones. Ovens stated, "We are deeply saddened by this tragic incident and extend our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of the contractor employee who passed away."

Key Takeaways

• 21-year-old contractor Eli Kelly died in a workplace accident at St Ives gold mine
• Kelly suffered a crush injury and died at the scene on April 23, 2024
• This is the second death at the mine in 18 months, raising safety concerns
• Mine owner Gold Fields suspended operations until work can safely resume
• Police, WorkSafe investigators examining the site to determine cause of accident