A FIFO worker accused of murdering a colleague on a Pilbara mine site has faced a West Australian court.
Troy Adam Hausler, 30, is accused of killing 40-year-old Toby Richter following an altercation at Pilbara Minerals’ Pilgangoora lithium-tantalum site, about 120km south of Port Hedland.
Homicide squad detectives are investigating the incident, which happened about 6.30am on Monday.
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READ NOWHausler faced South Hedland Magistrates Court on Wednesday and was remanded in custody to appear in Stirling Gardens Magistrates Court on November 27.
In a social media post, family member Vanessa Richter thanked friends for their support.
“I can’t reply to messages individually at the moment, there’s too many, but thank you from the bottom of my (heart),” she said.
“It’s going to be a long process from here.”
The discovery of Mr Richter’s body caused operations at the site to be temporarily suspended.
In a statement, Pilbara Minerals said the company would like to clarify that the “tragic incident” involved contractor personnel at the Pilgangoora project site and not direct employees of Pilbara Minerals.
“The Western Australia Police Force has now returned the areas of interest pertaining to the site operation.
“As such, Pilbara Minerals has now triggered recommencement of operations with return to full production rates expected within the next 24-48 hours as part of the on-going moderated production strategy.
“Pilbara Minerals will continue to provide full support to the Western Australia Police Force as their investigation progresses and is unable to provide any further comment.”