Inquest into death of gold miner who died of cyanide poisoning

A coroner’s hearing into the death of Denise Millett is scheduled for Monday, December 12, 2022. Millett died in June 2015 while working at a roundabout gold mine about 300 kilometers northeast of Timmins, Ontario.

A 52-year-old factory carpenter died of acute cyanide poisoning while repairing a leak in a mine smelter.

Detour Gold was indicted and pleaded guilty to criminal negligence charges that caused the death in 2017. ordered to pay $1.4 million.

read more: Detour Gold faces criminal charges over miner’s death

At the time, Crown Attorney Dale Cox told CTV News that the leak spread a toxic solution all over the floor and that “no effort was made to flush the area to make it safe.”

Cox said the solution contained 10,000 ppm sodium cyanide. Millet had to kneel in it, causing the deadly toxin to absorb into his clothes and skin.

Cox said there were no procedures or policies to ensure safe cleaning, nor were there any requirements for personal protective equipment. rice field.

The open pit operation is now operated by Agnico Eagle Mines.

At an inquest, the circumstances surrounding the death are investigated and a jury makes recommendations. In seven days he will have 15 witnesses to testify.