Highlands PacificLtd. said April 13 that a fatality occurred at its 8.56%-owned nickel operations at Basamukin Papua New Guinea.

A worker was killed and two local employees were injured whileworking around high-pressure vessels at the nickel processing plant.

Operations have been suspended at the plant and an investigationis on the way.

Metallurgical Corp.of China Ltd. is the majority owner at the nickel joint venture witha 56.97% interest.