News: OZL OZ Minerals halts operations at copper-gold mine after worker death

Sept 6 (Reuters) - OZ Minerals (OZL) said on Monday operations at its Prominent Hill copper-gold mine in South Australia state were temporarily suspended after an underground worker died over the weekend.

The 43-year old man was "crushed by machinery and died at the scene" on Sunday, the state police said in a brief statement.

"Byrnecut (the mining contractor) and OZ Minerals are providing support to the worker's family during this very difficult time," said Andrew Cole, OZ Minerals' chief executive officer.

"...our priority is to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone at the site," he added.

The company also said it was assisting the state police and safety authority in their investigation.

Prominent Hill is forecast by the miner to produce up to 70,000 tonnes of copper and 135,000 ounces of gold in fiscal 2021.