LKAB prosecuted over fatal accident in Kiruna mine – fined 55.5 million
A mechanic died in Kiruna mine on 24 May 2024. The prosecutor is now seeking to impose a corporate fine of 55.5 million kronor on LKAB for causing another's death.
LKAB prosecuted following mechanic's death in Kiruna mine
SVT Nyheter reports that a prosecutor has brought charges against mining company LKAB for causing another's death, after a 59-year-old mechanic died whilst carrying out maintenance work in a crusher in Kiruna mine on 24 May 2024.
The prosecutor is seeking a corporate fine of 55.5 million kronor against LKAB. The amount is based on a penalty value of 1.5 million kronor, which has been adjusted to account for the company's size.
No individual within the company is being prosecuted. Senior prosecutor Frida Molander, who is leading the preliminary investigation, explains the decision:
"I have, together with the police, investigated the question of individual responsibility and concluded that it is not possible, with the certainty required in criminal cases, to direct responsibility towards any single individual," she says.
The prosecutor's office states that LKAB has accepted payment of the corporate fine. The next step is a court hearing, after which the final judgment will be delivered.
LKAB's newly appointed chief executive Johan Menckel commented on the incident on the company's website.
"What happened is a very serious and tragic event that continues to affect many people – first and foremost Kent's relatives, but also colleagues, friends and our entire organisation. That an employee does not come home after their work shift is the worst thing that can happen and a failure," he writes.
Menckel further emphasises that the company's focus is now on ensuring that the lessons learned are implemented in daily work – in planning, in procedures and in how employees support one another to work safely.
Source: SVT Nyheter