Man killed at Tanami mine in Northern Territory as machinery malfunctioned, investigators believe

The failure of a mechanical winch is believed to have played a “contributing factor” to a death at a Northern Territory gold mine.

The 47-year-old man wearing the mining cap lamp was killed at the  Tanami mine, about 450km northwest of Alice Springs, about 4pm on Wednesday.

Police  were notified soon after and have launched inquiries into the incident alongside the Coronial Investigation Unit, Crime Scene Examination Unit and WorkSafe NT.

Initial investigations indicate a “ potential failure of a winch occurred  during a lift as a contributing factor to the incident”, according to WorkSafe.

The gold mine extends more than 1.7km underground and has been in operation since 1983, most recently under multinational gold mining corporation, Newmont.

“Newmont Corporation is deeply saddened to confirm that a member of our workforce has died following an incident at the Tanami mine site,” the company said.

“Further information will be provided when it is appropriate to do so,” it said.

“Safety remains our highest priority, and we are committed to supporting our people.”

The Australian Workers’ Union (AWU) has also called for Newmont and NT WorkSafe to conduct an “open and transparent investigation”.

“The AWU is in shock at news of this fatality,” AWU Queensland Secretary Stacey Schinnerl said.

“This is a tragic reminder that mine sites are dangerous places ... (and) why the union always emphasises safety over production.

“Events like these send shockwaves through our entire national mining industry.

“Our thoughts are with the family, friends and colleagues of the worker who has tragically lost their life. Every worker should be able to go to work confident they will come home safe.

“This loss is unacceptable.”

Inquiries into the incident remain ongoing.