Worker struck and killed at Rainy River gold mine in northwestern Ontario

An employee at the Rainy River gold mine in northwestern Ontario was killed while operating equipment in an open pit early Wednesday morning.

Operations have been suspended and an investigation is underway, New Gold Inc., the Toronto-based company that owns and operates the gold mine,said in a news release.

In an email to CBC News, the Ontario Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development said: "It was reported that a worker sustained fatal injuries when struck by material."

The ministry said it is investigating the death and two of itsinspectors were headed to the site on Wednesday afternoon.

"The thoughts of management are with the family, friends and colleagues who have been impacted by this tragic incident," said New Gold Inc.'s news release.

Company previously fined

The mine, which has been operating since 2017, isabout 65 kilometres northwest of Fort Frances.

New Gold was previously finedfor a 2016incident at an incomplete dam.

The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry said it saw water overtopping the incomplete Teeple Dam, causing sediment to enter a downstream river.

The company was fined a total of $100,000 for failing to comply with the conditions under the Lakes and Rivers Improvement Act.