The mining community around Australia is reacting to the tragic death of Kieren McDowall, who last week lost his life at Mineral Resources’ Onslow Iron project.
McDowall, who worked as a contractor for AAA Asphalt Surfaces, was a young father of two. He passed away on June 12 after an incident occurred at Min Res’ Ken’s Bore site, which WA police have described as non-suspicious.
AAA Asphalt Surfaces managing director Frank Italiano told the ABC that he felt “profound sadness” at losing his colleague.
“I extend my deepest condolences to Kieren’s family and friends; in particular his partner Bella, their two young children, his parents Kylie and Craig, brothers Matthew, Jayden and Hamish and extended family,” Italiano said.
MinRes managing director Chris Ellison said the company was shocked and deeply saddened by the tragedy.
“Our thoughts are with the family, friends and the whole Onslow Iron team, and our focus is on supporting them during this difficult time,” Ellison said.
MinRes said it is working to provide care and support to the contractor’s family and site team.
Australian Workers Union (AWU) WA branch secretary, Brad Gandy, said the AWU is shocked and saddened at the news of another fatality on a Pilbara mine site.
“Every worker deserves to come home to their families at the end of their shift,” he said.
“Unfortunately, this is the fourth fatality on a West Australian mine in just 12 months, despite repeated calls to improve the industries safety culture and overall workplace safety standards.
“Mining is an inherently dangerous industry and safety should be the highest priority in the sector.”
These comments follow the tragic deaths of Jody Byrne, who lost his at BHP’s Boodarie facility near Port Hedland in February; Gary Mitchel, who lost his life at Capricorn Metals’ Karlawina gold mine in October; and Terry Hogan, who lost his life at Gold Fields’ St Ives mine, also in October.
The Onslow Iron project is located 150 kilometres east of Onslow and it is expected to ship around 35 million tonnes of iron ore per year and is set to be one of WA’s largest iron ore operations.