Tributes for worker killed in Pilbara mine accident

Tributes are flowing for a 32-year-old Landsdale man who died working on a mine near Paraburdoo last night.

Shutdown fitter Lee Buzzard died while working at Rio Tinto’s Channar Mine east of Paraburdoo at about 12.30am.

The Pilbara News understands Mr Buzzard was working on a drill head when the incident occurred.

In a group announcement, Rio Tinto chief executive Sam Walsh said an internal investigation team was assembling and authorities were also investigating the incident.

“This is a terrible tragedy and our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of our colleague who lost their life,” he said.

“We are devastated by this incident and the loss of a life, which for the deceased’s family and our colleagues at Paraburdoo will have a lasting impact.

“We are working hard to eliminate fatalities and it remains the most important priority we have. We must continue to work together to achieve this.”

Friends posted tributes on social media, sending their sympathies to family and work mates.

“Makes my heart sink, felt ill to my stomach. A bit close to home having a 32-year-old hubby who is a fitter on night shift.

"My heart breaks for this blokes family,” Justina Mettam said.

“It's not bad enough that the Channar crew 4 lost their supervisor in a motorbike accident, now they have lost one of the crew in an accident on site,” Kelly Mizen added.

“RIP brother and friend, will be missed mate,” Jay Escott said.

Rio Tinto Pilbara Mines managing director Michael Gollschewski said Mr Buzzard was a greatly respected member of the Paraburdoo team.

Mr Buzzard's next of kin have been notified.

Police were called to the Channar mine site about 12.30am today.

The Department of Mines and Petroleum have been advised.

A report will be prepared for the Coroner.

The full Rio Tinto statement

''We have received the very sad news of the death of one of our colleagues at our Paraburdoo iron ore operations in Australia on Sunday night. This is a terrible tragedy and our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of our colleague who lost their life.

"We don’t yet have the full details of what has happened, but at this stage we know the incident occurred during maintenance on a drill in the Channar pit.

"Police and relevant authorities have been informed and we are assisting with their investigations. Also, our internal investigation team is assembling to understand more about the incident so we can prevent it from ever happening again. Joanne Farrell, our global head of HSEC, has arrived at the site and is working with the Iron Ore leadership team to support colleagues through this challenging time.

We are devastated by this incident and the loss of a life, which for the deceased’s family and our colleagues at Paraburdoo will have a lasting impact. We are working hard to eliminate fatalities and it remains the most important priority we have. We must continue to work together to achieve this.

Please be safe in all you do.''