A Vancouver-based mining company has been fined $135,000 after a worker was injured while removing a power cable from a mine shaft near Sudbury.
DMC Mining Services Ltd. pleaded guilty in Ontario Provincial Offences Court to failing to take every precaution reasonable in the circumstances for the protection of a worker. Justice of the Peace Sharon Ashick imposed the penalty on Dec. 8, 2025.
The incident occurred on Oct. 22, 2024, at the Victoria Mine, located approximately 35 kilometres west of Sudbury.
Details of the incident
Three workers were removing an extra power cable from the wall of a mine shaft while working on a suspended platform. The workers decided to cut the metal bands securing the cable to the shaft walls and coil it on the platform as they worked from the top down.
To make room on the platform, one worker stood inside the coiled cable. As the crew finished the task, the free end of the cable fell below the platform, causing the coil to tighten around the worker.
The worker sustained injuries as a result.
Ministry investigation findings
An investigation by the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development found the company did not ensure workers removed the cable in a way that reduced risk. The ministry determined the work should have proceeded from the bottom to the top and that workers should not have stood inside the coiled cable.
The company violated section 25(2)(h) of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, which requires employers to take every precaution reasonable in the circumstances for the protection of workers.
Penalty details
In addition to the $135,000 fine, the court imposed a 25 per cent victim fine surcharge as required by the Provincial Offences Act. The surcharge is credited to a special provincial government fund to assist victims of crime.
Crown Counsel Graeme Adams prosecuted the case.
DMC Mining Services Ltd. operates from Suite 2400, 745 Thurlow Street in Vancouver and provides underground mining services.
