TORONTO (miningweekly.com) – Two contract drillers died on Tuesday at Sudbury basin-focused miner First Nickel’s flagship Lockerby underground operation in a seismic activity-related fall-of-ground incident.

The two drillers were identified as Marc Methe (34) and Norm Bissaillon (49), both working for mining contractor Taurus Drilling Services.

The incident highlights the issue of mine safety in Ontario, where a comprehensive province-wide mining health, safety and prevention review is currently under way.

Ontario chief prevention officer George Gritziotis is leading an advisory group of industry, labour, health and safety representatives to undertake a sweeping review on a wide range of areas within the sector to improve the health and wellbeing of workers in the sector, heeding calls for reform after two miners died at Brazilian diversified mining group Vale’s Sudbury operations in 2011 and a spate of other incidents at the province’s mines.

Toronto-based Vale Canada was in September fined a record C$1.05-million for the death of the two men after it pleaded guilty to three charges in a plea bargain, which some had billed as a betrayal of workers and their families by the provincial government.

First Nickel said that all underground activities, except those required for emergency services, were immediately suspended and authorities were notified. Rescue teams were immediately dispatched to the area to render emergency assistance.

The company pledged that senior operations management would work with government authorities to thoroughly investigate the accident.

The company said that it was also working closely with Taurus Drilling to ensure that the miners’ families received counselling support. Counselling had also been provided for all employees and workers on site.

“We are deeply saddened by this tragic accident that resulted in the deaths of two men and we extend our heartfelt condolences to their families, friends and colleagues. Safety is the top priority for the company and we will ensure this accident is fully investigated,” First Nickel president and CEO Thomas Boehlert said.

First Nickel’s TSX-listed shares fell 11% in afternoon trading to C$0.04 apiece.