Mining company facing largest ever fine for workplace death in the NT

A mining company is facing fines of up to $35 million over the death of a worker in the Northern Territory two years ago.

Mine superintendent Craig Butler was killed after a wall collapsed at the Bootu Creek Mine, north of Tennant Creek, in August 2019.

The NT’s work safety watchdog said it has taken legal action against the mine’s operator, OM Manganese, laying a total of 24 charges. The mine’s chief operating officer, Trevor Cook, is also facing 14 charges. The charges against the company include “reckless conduct for failing to ensure the health and safety of its workers”. The charges against Mr Cook include “reckless conduct for failing his duties as a worker to take reasonable care that his acts or omissions did not adversely affect the health and safety of other persons”.



According to NT WorkSafe, if found guilty of all charges the company could face a combined maximum penalty of $35 million — the largest ever fine for a workplace death in the NT. Mr Cook could also face a maximum fine of $2.1 million, or five years in prison, or both.