By: Creamer media

“All activity at the SimFer mine site is currently suspended,” the miner said in a statement. The company added that it was providing support to workers affected by the incident and that it was working with authorities to investigate the cause.

“We extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues impacted by this tragic event as well as the wider community,” CEO Jakob Stausholm said. “We will offer all the support we can at this very difficult time.”

Incoming CEO Simon Trott said he would travel to Guinea to meet with employees. “It is devastating to lose a colleague in this way,” he said. “We will continue to do everything we can to ensure the safest possible work environment.”

Simandou, one of the world’s largest untapped iron-ore deposits, is a critical growth project for Rio Tinto. The miner owns two of the four Simandou mining blocks as part of the SimFer joint venture with China's Chalco Iron Ore Holdings and the Guinea government. Rio Tinto previously said that it expected first iron-ore shipments from Simandou in November.