File Photo (Image Credit: CFJC Today)

By James Peters

New Gold

Charges approved in 2021 New Afton fatality; New Gold does not expect sale to be impacted

Feb 12, 2026 | 12:27 PM

KAMLOOPS — A spokesperson for New Gold says he does not expect Mines Act charges laid in relation to a fatal 2021 incident at its Kamloops-area mine to affect the company’s sale.

Contract driller Ray Rosenberg was killed in a mud rush incident at the New Afton mine on February 2, 2021.

At the time, the company said the mud rush happened beneath the Lift 1 cave in the isolated recovery zone area. Two other people were injured in the incident.

According to court records, three charges against New Gold and former general manager John Ritter were sworn on January 26, 2026.

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Representatives for the company and Ritter are scheduled to appear in court on March 16 for a first appearance.

In a statement emailed to CFJC Today, New Gold Director of Investment Relations Brandon Throop says the company is reviewing the materials and won’t comment on the specific charges.

“The health and safety of its workforce has always been and continues to be a priority for New Afton,” said Throop. “We continually develop, review, and maintain safety procedures that align with best practices in the industry in pursuit of our goal of zero harm.”

The Toronto-based New Gold is in the process of being acquired by U.S.-based Coeur Mining. New Gold’s shareholders voted overwhelmingly in favour of the acquisition last month.

“Regarding the ongoing acquisition, we do not expect this to have any impact,” said Throop in the email.

Ritter’s LinkedIn profile notes he left New Gold in 2024 and is now employed by Hudbay Minerals.