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By Angela Gemmill

Vale has been charged with nine offences under the Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act, stemming from last year’s fatal accident at the smelter in Copper Cliff.

The Ministry of Labour also charged three employees with a total of eight offences.

The mining company is now reviewing the charges and will not comment any further since the case is before the courts.

In April 2014, a mishap in the crushing area of the plant killed 36-year old Industrial Mechanic Paul Rochette and injured another worker.

Following the accident, 58 recommendations came forward from the investigation by Vale and the Steelworkers.

Most of the short and medium term items have been addressed.