Workplace death reported at Nutrien Potash mine near Rocanville, Sask.

The exterior of the Potash Corp. (now Nutrien) Rocanville potash plant on Wednesday Nov. 3, 2010 near Rocanville, Sask. Rocanville is approx. 250 k.m.'s east of Regina. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Troy Fleece

An employee at Nutrien’s potash operation near Rocanville, Sask. was killed over the weekend, according to the company.

In an email to CTV News, the Saskatoon-based fertilizer giant confirmed that an employee working in the railcar loading facility at its potash mine near Rocanville was fatally injured on the afternoon of May 19.

As a result, operations at the mine have been temporarily shut down as Nutrien organizes its own investigation while collaborating with Saskatchewan’s Ministry of Labour Relations and Workplace Safety.

The ministry confirmed on Tuesday that it was notified of the worker’s death – but did not offer any additional details.

“Our thoughts go out to the family and friends as well as to our colleagues who will also be impacted during this very difficult time,” Nutrien said in the message.

In an update, Nutrien said operations at its Rocanville facility are expected to start back up on May 22.

The United Steelworkers Union (USW) said the organization’s emergency response team is working with USW 7916 – which represents 650 workers at the mine.

“Our union will be working with Nutrien to assist workers both on and off the mine sites,” Derek Palmer, president of USW Local 7916, said in a news release.

“The Surface OHC and Mines Branch investigation is still in progress. The union will not be commenting further on the fatality until the Mines Branch has completed its investigation.”

Rocanville Potash is located approximately 250 kilometres east of Regina.