Worker died after being buried by wet, muddy muck
The inquest into the tragic death of a veteran miner in New Brunswick has led to calls for changes in mine safety protocols and training standards in Canada’s mining sector.
Following a four-day inquest, a jury ruled that Edouard Gallant’s death was “accidental”—but they issued a suite of recommendations targeting regulatory reform, enhanced hazard awareness, and a fundamental update to mining education, all aimed at preventing similar fatalities in the future
The jury heard that the 64-year-old Gallant spent his final moments struggling to breathe after being buried by wet, muddy muck while working underground at the Lac des Iles Mine northwest of Thunder Bay.
Gallant, of Dunlop, N.B., died on May 27, 2020, while working for Sudbury-based SCR Mining and Tunnelling. He had been contracted by mine owner Impala Canada to assist in repairing ore passes, near-vertical tunnels used to move blasted rock.
The inquest—held virtually over four days in September—heard from seven witnesses, including miners who were present at the time, according to a report from Sudbury.com. Testimony revealed that workers were attempting to lower a pile of muck inside the ore pass to expose a new section of wall. However, the material—unexpectedly muddy and wet—suddenly dropped, overwhelming protective gates and flooding the work area where Gallant was stationed.
Charles Laforge, a longtime colleague, described the scene: “I’ve worked in mines for 42 years; I’ve never seen anything like it,” referring to the unusual consistency of the muck that day, according to the report.
Impala Canada, the operator of the Lac des Iles Mine, was fined $350,000 in 2023 for Gallant’s death and a separate incident that year. The mine itself is slated for closure in 2026, a decision attributed to declining palladium prices. However, for those in the occupational health and safety community, the focus remains on the lessons learned and the need for systemic change
Jury recommendations
The jury’s recommendations, addressed to the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD), Workplace Safety North (WSN), Impala Canada, and the Mining Tripartite Committee, reflect a consensus that current safety measures and training are insufficient for today’s mining hazards, as noted by Sudbury.com.
Among the most significant proposals:
- Regulatory Review: The MLITSD is urged to review and clarify mining regulations, particularly regarding worker positioning and exposure to uncontrolled material flows. The jury suggests amending regulations to explicitly prohibit workers from being placed in harm’s way during mucking operations and calls for more prescriptive requirements in section 84 of the Mining Regulation.
- Enhanced Hazard Awareness: Both MLITSD and WSN are encouraged to develop new strategies for raising industry-wide awareness about the risks of muck runs, including hazard alerts, enforcement campaigns, and updated training programs. The recommendations highlight the need for ongoing education and updated guidelines on water management, given the role water played in the Gallant incident.
- Mine Rescue Training: WSN is specifically tasked with updating mine rescue training materials to address the unique challenges posed by varying consistencies of muck and material, ensuring that rescue teams are better prepared for a range of scenarios.
- Curriculum Reform: The Mining Tripartite Committee is asked to review and revise the Underground Hard Rock Miner Program, ensuring that both basic and specialty modules reflect current best practices and lessons learned from recent incidents. The jury also recommends instituting regular continuing education requirements for miners to keep safety knowledge current.
