Australian gold miner Newcrest Mining reported that nine of 10 people were killed in a helicopter crash. The helicopter operated by PT Nyaman Air, chartered by PT Nusa Halmahera Minerals, a joint venture between Newcrest Mining and PT Aneka Tambang, crashed near Manado. The helicopter was en route from Manado, Sulawesi Island in Indonesia, to the Gosowong mine on the island of Halmahera.
The helicopter was reported missing at approximately 2:30 p.m. local time August 3, 2011. The cause of the crash is not yet known. There was an extensive search by air and land culminating in the discovery of the helicopter early in the morning on August 4. The helicopter was transporting eight employees and contractors to the Gosowong mine, and two crew members.
Local authorities advised there is one survivor, an Indonesian national, who was critically injured. The nine others died.
“Newcrest and Aneka Tambang express their deepest sadness and condolences to family, colleagues and friends of the passengers over this tragic event,” said Greg Robinson, CEO, Newcrest Mining.
Two Australian residents, two South Africans and four Indonesians were passengers on the flight. The two crew members were Indonesians.
