Further details are still being compiled, but Rio Tinto has confirmed that a plane carrying a number of its workers has crashed on its way to the Diavik diamond mine in the Northwest Territories, Canada.
The miner said January 24 that the crash occurred near Fort Smith. It did not release the number of fatalities or the identities of the passengers.
“I would like to extend our deepest sympathy to the families, friends, and loved ones of those who have been affected by this tragedy. As a company we are absolutely devastated by this news and offering our full support to our people and the community who are grieving today,” said chief executive Jakob Stausholm.
“We are working closely with authorities and will help in any way we can with their efforts to find out exactly what has happened.”
Diavik, wholly owned by Rio Tinto, is located about 200 kilometers south of the Arctic Circle. It began mining in 2003.
Source: riotinto.com