Police investigate mine site death

UPDATED: Pilbara Minerals temporarily suspended its operations today after Homicide Squad detectives were called to investigate a suspicious death at its Pilbara lithium mine.

The company said the death occurred as a result of an incident between personnel and was unrelated to its mining operations.

WA Police confirmed the death, saying officers had been called to the mine site 130 kilometres from Port Hedland at about 6:30am this morning.

“Police officers travelled to the mine site and confirmed a man, who is believed to be aged in his 40’s, had been located deceased,” WA Police said.

“The man’s death is being treated as suspicious.

“A 30-year-old man is currently in custody and is assisting with the investigation.”

Homicide Squad detectives from Perth travelled to the mine site today to continue with the investigation with local police and detectives.

Pilbara Minerals said operations have been temporarily suspended to facilitate the investigation.

Managing director Ken Brinsden said the company was doing everything it could to support the wellbeing of its workers.

“I am extremely shocked and saddened by what has occurred today,” he said.

“At this difficult time our focus is on ensuring that our people are cared for and supported, while we continue to support the police investigation that is currently underway.

“On behalf of Pilbara Minerals, I would like to express our sincere condolences to the affected people and their families.”

In an update released on Tuesday, the company said the incident involved contractor personnel at the Pilgangoora project site and not direct employees of Pilbara Minerals.

"The Western Australia Police Force has now returned the areas of interest pertaining to the site operation," the company said. 

"As such, Pilbara Minerals has now triggered recommencement of operations with return to full production rates expected within the next 24-48 hours as part of the on-going moderated production strategy."