Detour Gold ordered to pay out $1.4 million after admitting negligence in employee's death

Mining company found guilty in landmark criminal case Detour Gold has pled guilty to one count of criminal negligence causing death in connection with an employee's death. Kyle Gennings reports.

Detour Gold has pled guilty to one count of criminal negligence causing death in connection with an employee's death.

It was June 3, 2015 when Denis Millette died of acute cyanide poisoning at Detour Gold's Detour Lake operation.

The 52-year-old millwright had been tasked with fixing a leak in the mine's refinement facility.

"A leaking valve that put further solution on the floor. There was no effort made to wash down the area and to make it safe and at that point in process, the solution had ten thousands parts per million of sodium cyanide," explained Dale Cox, crown attorney.

A lethal dose of a deadly toxin that's crucial in the refinement of gold and Millette had no other choice but to kneel down in the solution to fix the leak. His clothing and skin absorbed the toxin as a result.

"There were no protocols or policies in place with respect to completing this repair work in a safe fashion," said Cox.

"There were no requirements with respect to the personal protective equipment that had to be worn."

Cox said the facility didn't have the first aid equipment - recommended by the manufacturer - on hand, either. He said the company has since rectified these issues.

The lone statement from Detour Gold comes from a press release issued on Tuesday.

"We reiterate our sadness for the pain this has caused the family. No workplace death is acceptable and we are committed to continuing our efforts to work diligently towards our commitment to Zero Harm," said Paul Martin, Detour Gold president and CEO.

Millette's family did receive compensation from Detour Gold.

The company was ordered to pay a fine of $1.4 million, plus a corresponding 30% surcharge.

The Ontario Ministry of Labour said there are still 15 charges against Detour under the Occupational Health and Safety Act, as well as six charges against three supervisors in connection with this case.