Huge cyclone hits the Pilbara

The full extent of damage caused by a powerful cyclone that crossed the Pilbara....

The full extent of damage caused by a powerful cyclone that crossed the Pilbara coast of Western Australia may not be clearly known until tomorrow - assuming the force five cyclone continues to diminish on its current south east course.Reports early Tuesday afternoon said that damage appeared to be minor to some of the major iron ore mining operations in the region, with both Fortescue Metals Group and Atlas Mining reporting they had been relatively unscathed.Morning reports said the cyclone had hit station country and has destroyed some buildings in its wake, and was heading inland towards Telfer which reportedly has had more than three times its annual rainfall. As it weakens into a heavy rain-bearing depression it could impact gold mining operations in the north eastern goldfields.Tropical Cyclone Laurence crossed the Pilbara coast in a virtually unhabitated sector of the coastline overnight near the Sandfire roadhouse and radio reports this afternoon said it was diminishing in strength as it headed inland.The big Pilbara hinterland gold mine Telfer had ceased operations at midnight last night as heavy rain and increasing winds developed.Owner Newmont Mining Ltd said had fully activated its cyclone response plan and all on-site personnel were restricted to the Telfer Village until further notice.Non essential personnel were flown off site yesterday. The company said it expected to resume operations during the day shift on Wednesday.