A number of PMG-branded light vehicles.
A tragic incident at an iron ore mine in Western Australia has resulted in the death of a 32-year-old worker. The man, employed by a labour-hire firm, lost his life at the C4 deposit of the Wiluna West mining operation on March 14, 2025. He was reportedly performing maintenance on a large truck that had become bogged down in mud after heavy rainfall. Witnesses indicate that the truck moved unexpectedly, leading to the fatal accident.
This incident marks the first work-related death at a mine site in Western Australia since December 2024. Following the event, investigators from WorkSafe arrived at the scene on March 15 to conduct a thorough examination. The specific details surrounding the accident are still under investigation, with authorities focused on determining the circumstances that led to the tragic event.
The deceased was a fitter working for Premium Mechanical Group, a firm based in Belmont that specializes in heavy machinery repairs and maintenance across the Goldfields and Pilbara regions. The company, which did not provide an official comment on the incident, emphasizes safety as a core value. Their website states, “Safety doesn’t slow you down. Premium Mechanical Group fosters a company culture that respects all safety measures and puts workplace safety above all else.”
Overview of the Mining Operation
The C4 deposit is situated approximately 30 kilometers west of the Goldfields town of Wiluna and about 155 kilometers east of Meekatharra. The Wiluna West project is owned by Gold Valley, a company led by Yuzheng Xie. In December 2023, Gold Valley acquired the operation from GWR Group for $30 million, in addition to a $2 per dry metric tonne royalty.
At present, the Wiluna West site typically employs around 80 workers, with an additional 80 to 100 personnel responsible for transporting ore to port. The mining sector in Western Australia has been closely monitored for safety practices, especially following recent incidents.
As investigations continue into this tragic event, the focus remains on ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all workers within the industry. Such incidents underscore the importance of adhering to strict safety protocols to prevent future accidents. The loss of life in the workplace is a stark reminder of the hazards associated with mining operations and the critical need for ongoing vigilance in maintaining safe working environments.
