As a result BHP Billiton Iron Ore issued a statement: “A significant incident has occurred which sadly resulted in a fatality at approximately 0045 this morning (Thursday, 7 July 2011) at its port operations, Port Hedland, Western Australia. The onsite emergency team has been activated and external emergency services including police are attending the scene. At this stage we are unable to provide any further detail about the incident, but will do so as soon as possible during the day. The Company’s port and rail operations are in the process of being suspended until further notice.”
BHP also confirmed that the stoppage does not affect iron ore exports from other berths and shippers. All BHP berths cargo operations are scheduled to resume at 0600 on 8 July.