A worker driving a D6 dozer at Sabina Gold and SilverSA国际影视传媒檚 Back River project plunged through the ice near the companySA国际影视传媒檚 port facility at Bathurst Inlet and died on the afternoon of Jan. 17.

The company became aware of the tragic accident when it was reported that the piece of heavy equipment and its operator SA国际影视传媒� who is employed by a contractor SA国际影视传媒� were missing.

All personnel were called back to the camp and accounted for with the exception of the one individual, according to Nicole Hoeller, SabinaSA国际影视传媒檚 vice-president of communications and corporate secretary.

SA国际影视传媒淥ur president and CEO is on his way up to site to provide support to our team while we get to the cause of this tragic accident. At this point, we simply donSA国际影视传媒檛 know the pertinent details to comment any further,SA国际影视传媒� Hoeller stated on Jan. 18.

The deceased employeeSA国际影视传媒檚 family has been notified and Sabina committed to providing support and assistance to them.

SA国际影视传媒淥n behalf of Sabina, we would like to extend our deepest condolences to the individualSA国际影视传媒檚 family, friends and colleagues,SA国际影视传媒� said Bruce McLeod, SabinaSA国际影视传媒檚 president and CEO.

The company also said it would offer counselling and support to staff at the Back River site, approximately 400 kilometres southwest of Cambridge Bay.

The , the Workers Safety and Compensation Commission and the mines inspector have also been notified, Hoeller added. The will help coordinate a recovery effort.

Mine inspectors are expected to begin an investigation as early as Jan. 19.

A spill report has also been filed with environmental authorities.

All activities near the port have been suspended until further notice, according to Hoeller.