Rio Tinto reports fatal incident at Simandou

An employee of a contracting company has died following an incident at Rio Tinto’s (ASX: RIO) SimFer mine site in Nzérékoré, Guinea on August 22.

Rio Tinto chief executive Jakob Stausholm comments on the incident.

“We extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues impacted by this tragic event as well as the wider community,” he said.

“We will offer all the support we can at this very difficult time and a thorough investigation will take place together with the relevant authorities to establish the causes of this tragic incident.”

Rio Tinto incoming chief executive Simon Trott comments on the incident.

“At Rio Tinto, the safety of every member of the workforce is our main priority,” he said.

“It is devastating to lose a colleague in this way and I will be travelling to Guinea to spend time with our team there.

“We will continue to do everything we can to ensure the safest possible work environment where everyone goes home safely to their family after every shift.”

All activity at the SimFer mine site is currently suspended, and support is in place for colleagues impacted by the event.