Almost three years after two men fell to their death from a temporary timber platform at a Tasmanian copper mine, operators of the venture admit they failed to provide a safe workplace.
Craig Nigel Gleeson, 45, and Alistair Michael Lucas, 25, died at the Mount Lyell Mine in the state's west in December 2013 and on Monday lawyers for Copper Mines of Tasmania pleaded guilty in the Burnie Magistrates Court to failing to comply with health and safety codes.
Investigators found a linkage assembly fell onto the platform causing it to break and sending the duo plummeting to their deaths.
A month later another worker - 53-year-old Michael Welsh - died at the mine during a mud slide, and operations at the site have since been suspended.
The company is yet to enter a plea in relation to the third death but spokesman Peter Walker said there has been a full review of operations since the fatalities.
News that makes sense
Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.
"We are still in discussions with the Director of Public Prosecutions in relation to the second incident," Mr Walker said in a statement, adding the matter will be mentioned again in court in October.
"Our hearts go out to the families and the friends of the three men."
Hopeful of re-starting operations, Copper Mines of Tasmania has spent more than $68 million maintaining the mine and conducting environmental assessments, exploration and designs.
