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 today 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.
"In August 2019, the mine superintendent entered the open-cut pit, known as Tourag Pit, after four workers, who had entered the pit, reported seeing sediment slipping from the wall earlier that day," NT WorkSafe said in a statement.
"Throughout the course of the day, nine workers entered the pit to carry out their duties.
"Tragically, a section of the wall gave way, burying the mine superintendent, as he was inspecting the wall.
"At the time of the incident, two workers were nearby in the pit and escaped without injury."
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".
NT WorkSafe said that 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.
It said Mr Cook could face a maximum fine of $2.1 million, or five years in prison, or both.
The matter is expected to be heard in the Darwin Local Court on October 12.
