It is with deep sadness BHP Billiton confirms an employee of the contractor company CAINSA, died at work earlier today. The incident occurred while performing maintenance on the Line 2 SAG Mill in the Laguna Seca concentrator at Escondida in Chile.

We extend our deepest condolences to his family, colleagues and friends.

We do not know the exact cause of death but we commit to a full investigation.

We are offering support and counselling services to everyone at Escondida.