Mining has returned to full capacity at BHP’s Mt Whaleback iron ore mine near Newman this morning after yesterday’s fire and processing has resumed in unaffected areas.
A BHP spokeswoman this morning said the fire at the mine was brought under control yesterday afternoon and the quick response of the on-site emergency services team helped to mitigate damage.
The plant at BHP’s Mt Whaleback mine is on fire.
She said all site personnel were safe however one person was treated for smoke inhalation as a precautionary measure.
“The affected area of the processing plant is currently being assessed for damage and recovery planning.
“The cause of the fire will be established through an investigation.
”The fire broke out in part of the processing plant yesterday just before 2pm.
The cause of the fire is not yet known.
The last time a fire broke out at Mt Whaleback’s beneficiation plant was on December 7, 2015, with welding operations being blamed.