The final report of the investigation relating to the death of a 37-year-old miner in Vatukoula is expected to be released this week.

Permanent Secretary for Mineral Resources Malakai Finau confirms to FBC News that a final report is expected to be submitted by the Board of Inquiry that carried out the investigation.

The preliminary findings earlier revealed that the miner fell in a sinkhole and the cause of death was due to soft ground.

FBC News understands that work at the mine where the tragic incident took place has been ceased.

Finau says findings from the Board of Inquiry investigation will also determine the safety of work carried out at the Vatukoula Gold Mine.