Company fined in connection with workplace fatality near Warburg

LEDUC -- An Edmonton-based company has been fined $360,000 in connection with a workplace fatality that occurred near Warburg in November 2023.

On July 8, 2026, Prairie Mines & Royalty ULC, as an employer, pleaded guilty in the Leduc Court of Justice to one count under the Occupational Health and Safety Act for failing to ensure the health and safety of a worker. The Crown withdrew 11 other counts.

The charges stem from an incident that occurred at a mine site near Warburg on Nov. 25, 2023. A worker was removing excess water and clearing ice from piping when an ice plug dislodged from the pipe, striking the worker and causing fatal injuries.

Under creative sentencing, the court ordered the company to pay $360,000 to the Alberta Mine Safety Association to conduct research, develop industry best practices, and a comprehensive training program for water removal operations. The company and the Crown have up to 30 days to appeal the conviction or penalty.