Glencore charged for impeding Ministry of Labour investigation

The Ministry of Labour has charged mining company Glencore for impeding its investigation.

The two charges, filed in June, fall under the Occupational Health and Safety Act.

They include hindering, obstructing and interfering with a Ministry of Labour inspector's attempt to execute a warrant on the company in April.

Upon conviction, individuals may be subject to a fine of up to $25,000 per count or imprisonment, while corporations may be fined up to $500,000.

The ministry says it is still investigating the death of a miner at Glencore's Nickel Rim South mine in October 2015, but wouldn't confirm if these charges are related.

"The tragic loss of Mr. Pigeau is something we continue to take very seriously," Glencore wrote in a statement to CBC News.

"The investigation spearheaded by the Ministry of Labour received our full co-operation.  We also conducted an investigation jointly with union officials with a goal of learning from this fatality," it continued.

Glencore is expected to appear in a Sudbury court Aug. 12.