Tributes flow for mine worker killed in freak accident: ‘Pure disbelief’

Friends and colleagues are mourning a beloved miner after he tragically died in a horrific workplace accident.

Peter Groves, 29, died at around 2.50pm on December 5 during the Apollo Hill exploration project, in Western Australia’s Eastern Goldfields region.

The drilling contractor is remembered by loved ones as an energetic and “cheeky” friend who made everyone laugh.

Michael Goss said it was with a heavy heart that he shared the news of the passing of his dear friend and colleague.

“He was not only a colleague, but a beloved friend to many in our community,” he wrote on a website GoFundMe began raising money for Mr. Groves’ family.

‘His partner Candice and his mother Julie-Ann are in disbelief, along with the rest of his family and friends.

‘Pete was a very nice person, a big heart and someone you could talk to for hours. He brought us much joy into everyone’s lives he was in.

“He was our friend, he was our partner, he was a partner, a son, a brother and a loving human being who we will miss dearly.”

Peter Groves, 29, (pictured with his partner Candice) died on Thursday during the Apollo Hill exploration project in the Eastern Goldfields region of Western Australia.

Mr Groves is believed to have been employed by Challenge Drilling and worked in the Goldfields region of Washington for seven years.

The Apollo Hill Gold Project is operated by gold exploration company Saturn Metals, which has suspended its exploration activities at Apollo Hill until further notice.

Saturn Metals managing director Ian Bambrough said the company was ‘shocked and ‘saddened’ by the sudden death of Mr Grove.

“Our deepest thoughts and condolences go out to the family, friends and colleagues of the deceased employee,” Mr Bambrough said.

There were four drilling rigs and a crew of 15 to 18 geologists and rig operators working at the gold mine site at the time of Mr. Groves’ death. Western Australian reports.

Worksafe WA Commissioner Sally North said the agency will “thoroughly investigate” what may have caused Mr Groves’ death.

“On behalf of everyone at WorkSafe, I extend my deepest condolences to the employee’s family, friends and colleagues,” Ms North said in a statement.

“I assure the community that WorkSafe will thoroughly investigate the circumstances leading to this tragic loss.

Mr Groves (pictured with his partner) is believed to have worked for mining contractor Challenge Drilling and spent seven years in the Goldfields region

Mr Groves (pictured with his partner) is believed to have worked for mining contractor Challenge Drilling and spent seven years in the Goldfields region

“WA Police attended the scene and WorkSafe inspectors traveled to the site from Perth on December 6, 2024.

‘Inspectors returned to Perth on December 9, 2024, but may return to Apollo Hill as WorkSafe’s investigation progresses.

‘WorkSafe cannot provide any further details while the investigation is ongoing.’

A report will be prepared for the coroner.