Kirsten Murphy
Northern News Services

Nanisivik (Aug 06/01) - Officials are investigating the accidental death of a 52-year-old miner killed on the job July 31.

Jacques Robitaille of Val d'Or Quebec died after a loose rock struck his head.

He was removing debris from a mine stope, wearing the required safety equipment, when a rock fell, said the mine's general manager, Ron Light.

Robitaille reportedly was working alone at the time. "He was following his procedures. It was a freak accident," Light said.

The mine's last fatality came 10 years ago when a supervisor fell from a working basket.

Robitaille was known as a quiet, experienced miner who spent days off at the gym. He was a four-year employee of the company, and Light said Robitaille had no immediate plans to retire.

He added that it is too soon to say what changes may arise as a result of the death.

The Workers' Compensation Board, mine officials and the Arctic Bay RCMP were investigating the incident last week.

A service for employees was held last Wednesday evening. A funeral service for family and friends in Quebec was expected this week.

Robitaille is survived by his common-law wife and two children, 16 and 20, in Val d'Or. "Our sympathy is with the family and employees in this time of grief," Light said.