For more than 30 years, Kirk Woodman worked in the mining industry, including the last 15 years in West Africa.

Today, the world learned that the veteran geologist and vice president of exploration with Vancouver-based Progress Minerals was killed after being kidnapped by gunman in Burkino Faso.

The abduction occurred at the company's mine near the border of Niger.

“Canada condemns those responsible for this terrible crime," Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland said in a statement. "We are working with the government of Burkina Faso and other international partners to pursue those responsible and bring them to justice. The government’s priority is the safety and security of Canadians.

“We extend our heartfelt condolences to Mr. Woodman’s family and loved ones. This is a devastating and extremely painful time for them and they have Canada’s full support. As they mourn this tragedy, we ask that their privacy be respected.”

Woodman was the second Canadian to disappear in the country this year. Quebec resident Edith Blais also vanished along with her Italian friend, Luca Tacchetto. The federal government is reportedly treating this as a kidnapping.

Burkina Faso is part of the Sahel region of West Africa, which is a hot spot for Islamist militants.

In December 2008, two Canadian diplomats, including former UN special envoy Robert Fowler, were kidnapped in Niger. They were freed four months later.