Investigation into Rio mine death

The state government is investigating the death of a haul truck driver at Rio Tinto’s Paraburdoo mine, which occurred last night.

The incident occurred last night at about 11pm, with the worker fatally injured after a haul truck veered off the haul road.

“Overnight an incident occurred at our Paraburdoo mine operations that has resulted in a fatality,” a Rio spokesperson said.

“Our deepest sympathies are with the person's family and friends at their loss. The incident is being investigated by the relevant authorities, with our full support.”

The Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety said it was investigating the matter.

“The department is investigating the death of a worker following an incident at Rio Tinto’s Greater Paraburdoo - Channar Mine in the Pilbara,” it said in a statement.

“The worker was fatally injured when the haul truck he was driving veered off the haul road.

 “The incident occurred about 11pm last night and operations at the mine site have ceased.

“The department sends its sincere condolences to the worker’s family, friends and co-workers.”