Global mining company Rio Tinto has halted operations at its Simandou iron ore project in Guinea due to the unexpected death of a contractor that occurred at the SimFer port site last Saturday. The company was cooperating with its partners and relevant authorities on a comprehensive investigation.

This was Rio Tinto's fifth fatality this year after four employees lost their lives on a flight to the Diavik Diamond Mine in January.

The first production at the Simandou iron ore project was planned for next year. The mine was expected to produce nearly 120 million tons of high-quality iron ore every year in full production.