A prosecutor has filed an application with the Kainuu District Court to extend the statue of limitations in the case of a worker who died at the Talvivaara mine nearly two years ago, reports the daily Kaleva. The statute of limitations for occupational health and safety crimes is two years.
Kainuu police leading the investigation into the worker’s death say that they are wrapping up their investigation. They are considering preliminary charges of manslaughter as well as occupational safety crimes. They are also looking into whether a corporate fine can be imposed on the mining company for causing the worker’s death.
In March 2012 a worker from Paltamo in the Kainuu region died from hydrogen sulphide poisoning in the vicinity of the metals plant. The hydrogen sulphide emissions were caused when limestone slurry pumped from the floor drain into the mine’s pre-neutralisation chamber caused a chain reaction with a solution being stored. The reaction released deadly levels of hydrogen sulphide into the surrounding area.
The worker went into the area to take samples without any protective breathing apparatus or any meter to test the air quality. Use of such equipment was deemed mandatory in the area in question.