It is with deep regret that BHP Billiton confirms  that a fatality has occurred at the Leinster Nickel Operation, Western Australia, 950kms north east of Perth.  

The incident occurred late in the afternoon of Friday 3 February.  Mark Quinn, aged 32  and an employee of MacMahon’s was fatally injured.  He was working approximately 900 meters underground when an explosion occurred. There were no other persons injured as a result of the incident.

The cause of the explosion is not yet known.  Operations at Leinster have been stopped and employees at site are being briefed and counseled on this tragic incident.

Investigations are being conducted by BHP Billiton and the relevant government authorities.  No further details are available at this stage and a statement will be released when more information is available.