BHP Billiton announced that “We regret to advise that a fatality has occurred at BHP Billiton’s Yandi mining operations involving a HWE Mining employee.”

It said that “Police have attended the site. At this stage we can provide no more information except to stress that our immediate priorities are the welfare of the family of the deceased and other people involved in the incident.”

It added that “BHP Billiton Iron Ore is working closely with HWE Mining, which operates the Yandi mine on behalf of the company.”

It also said that “All BHP Billiton Iron Ore operations in WA, except for essential services, will be suspended until further notice.”