WorkSafe investigates Fosterville mine machinery death

WorkSafe has reported that the 53-year-old worker killed at Agnico Eagle’s Fosterville gold mine in Victoria on December 5 was operating a cable bolter about 1.6km underground when he became entangled in the machinery.

The death is the 53rd confirmed workplace fatality in Australia for 2025 — an increase from the 48 work-related deaths reported at the same time last year.

A cable bolter machine is a heavy-duty rig used in underground mining settings to install long steel cable bolts for rock stabilisation. These machines typically weigh about 20t and feature several moving parts that pose entanglement risks.

In 2024, being trapped by moving machinery or equipment accounted for 5% of workplace deaths and the fatality rate by occupation was highest, 6.7 per 1000,000, in machinery operators and drivers, according to Safe Work Australia.

Minerals Council of Australia (MCA) chief executive Tania Constable says industry is saddened by the news.

“The MCA extends its sympathies to family, friends and workmates, as well as the broader community,” she said.

“We also thank the emergency services personnel who responded to this incident.”