On July 7, Australia-based miner BHP Billiton announced that it has halted its operations at Port Hedland, West Australia due to a fatal incident which occurred early on the morning of the same day at an iron ore loading facility at Finucane Island.
A 27-year old man was killed when a loaded crane collapsed on him shortly after midnight. BHP has suspended all rail and port operations at Port Hedland until further notice.
South Hedland police said that it is too early to tell what caused the crane to collapse but they will start an inquiry about the incident.
BHP Billiton stated that they are unable to provide any further details about the incident at this stage, but will do so as soon as possible.