New Gold Provides an Update on the New Afton Mine

Rhea-AI Summary

New Gold Inc. (TSX and NYSE American: NGD) provides an update regarding a tragic incident at its New Afton Mine in Kamloops, B.C. On February 2, 2021, a fatal underground mud-rush incident occurred involving an employee of a drilling contractor. The individual's body was recovered on February 3, and the Company has not disclosed their name. New Gold expresses deep condolences to the family and friends of the deceased and has suspended all underground operations for investigation purposes. The mud-rush was localized, sparing other parts of the mine.

Positive

• New Gold has arranged for grief counseling for employees and contractors.

Negative

• A fatal incident occurred at the New Afton Mine, resulting in the death of a contractor employee.
• Underground mining activities have been suspended, potentially affecting productivity.

February 4, 2021 – New Gold Inc. (“New Gold” or the “Company”) (TSX and NYSE American: NGD) provides an update on the tragic incident at the New Afton Mine, located in Kamloops, B.C.

On Tuesday, February 2, 2021, the Company reported that an individual employed by a drilling contractor to New Gold was involved in a fatal underground mud-rush incident. The body of the individual was recovered yesterday at approximately 5:30 pm local time. For personal and privacy reasons, the name of the individual will not be released.

“We are deeply saddened by this tragic incident. Nothing is more important than the health and safety of everyone who works at New Gold. We extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of the contractor employee. Our thoughts are also with our two injured New Afton employees, our first responders, our rescue personnel and their families during this difficult time. New Gold has arranged for grief counselling for all our employees and contractors.” stated Renaud Adams, President and Chief Executive Officer.

All underground mining and surface activities remain suspended as the Company and authorities continue to investigate the incident.

The mud-rush was localized underneath the Lift 1 cave in the isolated recovery zone area, which does not interact with the other areas of the mine, including the B3 and C-Zone areas.

Additional details will continue to be provided via a news release as they become available.

About New Gold Inc.

New Gold is a Canadian-focused intermediate gold mining company with a portfolio of two core producing assets in Canada, the Rainy River and New Afton Mines. The Company also holds an 8% gold stream on the Artemis Gold Blackwater Project located in British Columbia and a 6% equity stake in Artemis. The Company also operates the Cerro San Pedro Mine in Mexico (in reclamation). New Gold's vision is to build a leading diversified intermediate gold company based in Canada that is committed to environment and social responsibility. For further information on the Company, visit www.newgold.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210204005438/en/

FAQ

What incident occurred at New Gold's New Afton Mine on February 2, 2021?

On February 2, 2021, a fatal underground mud-rush incident occurred at New Gold's New Afton Mine, resulting in the death of a contractor employee.

What actions has New Gold taken following the incident?

New Gold has suspended all underground mining activities and arranged grief counseling for employees and contractors.

How did the mud-rush incident impact the New Afton Mine?

The mud-rush incident resulted in a temporary suspension of all underground and surface activities at the New Afton Mine.

What is the company ticker symbol for New Gold?

The ticker symbol for New Gold is NGD.

What are the next steps for New Gold after the tragic incident?

New Gold will continue to investigate the incident and provide updates as more details become available.