Rio Tinto Ltd (LSE:RIO, ASX:RIO, OTC:RTNTF) confirmed there had been fatalities following the crash of a plane carrying workers to the Diavik diamond mine in Canada.
The mining giant confirmed the aircraft, thought to be Jetstream registered to Northwestern Air Lease, went down near Fort Smith, Northwest Territories.
Rio's chief executive, Jakob Stausholm said: "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.
"We are working closely with authorities and will help in any way we can with their efforts to find out exactly what has happened."