Worker found dead at B.C. coal mine

The Elkview Operations coal mine in the Elk Valley near Sparwood, B.C.

A 39-year-old man has been found dead after he was reported missing at a coal mine site in southeastern British Columbia.

Police say the man disappeared during a mining incident around 7 a.m. Thursday, triggering a search of an Elk Valley Resources mine site near Sparwood.

On-site mine rescue teams led the search effort, with assistance from the local RCMP.

Police confirmed Friday morning that the remains of the man, identified as a contractor from the nearby community of Hosmer, had been recovered.

Elk Valley Resources says the worker was conducting maintenance work at its Elkview Operations mine when the fatal incident occurred.

The man’s next of kin were notified of his death Friday morning, and the B.C. Coroners Service is on scene investigating the incident, according to a statement from the Elk Valley Regional RCMP.

The provincial Ministry of Mining and Critical Minerals was also notified of the death and will be attending the scene to conduct an investigation, police said.

“Elk Valley Regional RCMP offer their sincere condolences to the family, friends and fellow coworkers of the deceased,” the statement added. “At this time, the name of the deceased will not be released. Our investigation is ongoing.”

Elk Valley Resources CEO Mike Carrucan says the company is conducting its own investigation into the incident alongside regulatory authorities.

“Our heartfelt sympathies go out to the family, friends and colleagues of this person,” Carrucan said in a statement.

“This is an incredibly difficult time for our Elkview Operations workforce and we are ensuring support services and counselling are available.”

A spokesperson for WorkSafeBC said the provincial workplace safety regulator did not have any information to share about the incident.