Kamloops NewsCourt date set for former operator, manager of New Afton mine charged after fatalityGuilty pleas in mine death? Photo: New Gold Underground operations at New Gold's New Afton mine near Kamloops. The former operator and manager of a Kamloops mine appear poised to plead guilty to charges laid in connection with a fatal underground accident five years ago. New Gold, until recently the operator of the New Afton mine, and John Ritter, the mine’s former general manager, are each facing three charges of contravening provisions of B.C. Lawyers will return to Kamloops provincial court on Oct. 15 for disposition, which typically means guilty plea and sentencing.