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Pilbara updates shareholders on tragic mine site death

ASX News
ASX:PLS      MCAP $12.46B
13 November 2019 12:36 (AEST)

Lithium producer Pilbara Minerals has released further details following the tragic on-site death of a FIFO worker on Monday.

The company advised the market that police investigations at their Pilgangoora lithium mine are still underway, with homicide detectives and WA Police attending the crime scene.

Following Monday morning’s fatal incident, production at Pilgangoora was slowed considerably. The company has vowed to return to previous production rates within the next 48 hours.

While the identity of the two men involved is yet to been released, Pilbara disclosed the incident involved two contractors – not company employees.

Few other details surrounding the incident have been announced, although Police are treating the death as suspicious.

A union representative said a fight broke out at 6:30 AM following a pre-test exercise at Pilbara’s Pilgangoora lithium mine.

WA Police arrested a 30-year-old Craigie contractor following the incident and have since charged him with the FIFO worker’s death.

The accused is expected to appear in front of South Hedland Magistrates Court later today.

Pilbara Minerals Managing Director Ken Brinsden said he was extremely shocked and saddened by the contractor’s sudden death.

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

“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,” Ken stated.

The company says it will continue to cooperate with all police investigations at the Pilgangoora site.

Pilbara requested a trading halt on the ASX after reports of the contractor’s death sent company shares into freefall.

The lithium producer has since recommenced trading on the exchange, yet stocks are continuing to slump. Shares in the company are down 2.34 per cent following the update, currently trading for 31.3 cents at 11:59 AEDT.

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