Worker involved in fatal incident at Mosaic potash mine identified

Unifor has identified 41-year-old Tyrone McLeod as the worker killed at Mosaic’s K3 mine. The union calls it a preventable loss as investigations continue.

Unifor has identified the worker who died at Mosaic’s K3 potash mine near Esterhazy, Sask., as 41-year-old Tyrone McLeod, according to a message posted by the union’s national president Thursday.

McLeod worked as a miner operator at K3.

“Our union is deeply saddened by this tragic news,” Unifor National president Lana Payne said in the update. “We sincerely grieve this preventable loss, and we extend our deepest sympathies and solidarity with his loved ones and Local 892 members.”

McLeod died early Monday morning after a “fall of ground” incident at the mine. No further injuries were reported.

Following the incident, Mosaic said in a statement that a full investigation into the death is underway and that it was working with all necessary regulatory authorities.

“The safety and wellbeing of our people remain Mosaic’s highest priority. Our thoughts go out to our colleague’s family and friends, all employees, and the broader community,” Mosaic’s statement read.

Unifor said the incident is under investigation by the provincial Ministry of Labour Relations and Workplace Safety and the Chief Mines Inspector, adding its local health and safety department is seeking to be part of the investigative process as well.

“Rest assured Unifor will fight for justice for Tyrone, and under no circumstances will we allow his death to be brushed aside,” Payne said. “We stand ready to participate in the investigation into what transpired and to share our findings with the ministry to determine the extent of the employer’s culpability and what remedies are needed at the mine.”

McLeod was a member of Unifor Local 892, which represents workers at the Esterhazy-area mine. The union has issued a call for donations to help support McLeod’s family.

He is survived by his two daughters and their mother.

According to his obituary, McLeod grew up in Hudson Bay before moving to Yorkton in 2005. He started working at Mosaic in 2014.

“He will be missed dearly and forever remembered always in our hearts,” the obituary reads.

A celebration of life is planned for Saturday in Yorkton.

With files from David Prisciak