BHP Billiton has suspended its iron ore operations in Western Australia, following a second fatality at the Yandi mine in two weeks.
A 19-year-old Northam worker was killed in a motor vehicle accident at the mine. Police say they have launched a coronial investigation into the death.
This incident follows another fatality at the same mine near the end of August 2008.
BHP Billiton says the staff at its seven iron ore mines and Port Hedland shipping facility will have their work times modified because of the accident. Operations a the Perth head office have also been suspended.
According to the company, it chose to suspend all operations because it wanted to put the safety of workers first, and ensure all its staff were “in the right frame of mind” for working safely.
The employee was treated by paramedics on site, but died on the scene. The WA Department of Consumer and Employment Protection says it is investigating the accident as part of the coronial enquiry.
The department says if it finds “endemic safety concerns” at the mine, it could close the Yandi mine down.
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