Newcrest confirms chopper crash

Newcrest Mining and Indonesia’s Aneka Tambang have suspended operations at their Gosowong joint venture after the death of nine people, including two Australians, in a helicopter accident.

The helicopter was en route to the Gosowong mine on the Indonesian island of Halmahera, when it was reported missing around 2:30pm local time yesterday.

Local authorities said there was one survivor, who has been transported to a nearby hospital and is in a critical condition.

Two Australians, two South Africans and four Indonesians were passengers on the flight.

“Newcrest and Aneka Tambang express their deepest sadness and condolences to family, colleagues, and friends of the passengers over this tragic event,” Newcrest chief executive Greg Robinson said.