It is with deep regret BHP Billiton announces that Francisco Percic Becerra, a worker at Escondida, passed away today at 00:25 (Chilean time) due to injuries sustained while operating a cathode stripping machine at the electrowinning tankhouse on site.

Francisco was 42 and leaves behind his wife and three children.

Escondida's Emergency Committee was immediately activated following the incident and all operations at the site were stopped to allow the company to carry out safety briefings. The relevant authorities have been informed and an investigation initiated to determine the causes of the accident.

We are providing Francisco's family with support and assistance and would like to offer them our sincere condolences at this difficult time.