Prominent Hill suspends operations after fatal incident

The OZ Minerals mine is located about 650 kilometres north-west of Adelaide and 130 kilometres south-east of Coober Pedy.

The copper and gold operation includes both an open pit and an underground mine.

In a joint statement, OZ Minerals and Byrnecut confirmed that a Byrnecut underground worker was fatally injured at the site on Sunday.

“Byrnecut and OZ Minerals express our deepest sympathies to the worker’s family,” OZ Minerals managing director and chief executive officer Andrew Cole said.

“This incident has had a profound impact on our workforce and our priority is to ensure the safety and wellbeing of everyone at site.

“Byrnecut and OZ Minerals are providing support to the worker’s family during this very difficult time.”

The incident is being investigated by the South Australian Police and Safework SA.

OZ Minerals and Byrnecut are assisting with the investigations.

According to a statement from South Australia Police, at about 3.25pm on Sunday, emergency services were called to the mining area after a 43-year-old man was crushed by machinery and died at the scene.

Local detectives and patrol officers, along with forensic investigators, attended the scene and a report will be prepared for the State Coroner.

Minerals Council of Australia chief executive officer Tania Constable said the organisation is deeply saddened by the incident.

“We send our condolences to the family, friends, emergency responders and colleagues of the deceased,” she said.

“The minerals industry is committed to, and working hard on, eliminating fatalities, injuries and occupational illnesses, with a strong focus on building and sustaining respectful workplaces.”