It is with deep regret that BHP Billiton reports that a fatality has occurred at the Olympic Dam Operation in northern South Australia.

The incident occurred early this afternoon during maintenance work at the smelter.

The employee was seriously injured when struck by a falling object. He was taken immediately to the Roxby Downs Medical Centre but died soon afterwards.

Operations at Olympic Dam have been suspended and employees at site are being briefed and counseled on this tragic incident.

Authorities have been informed and investigations have commenced.

The immediate priority for Olympic Dam is to assist the family of the employee killed and the rest of our workforce and contractors.