Details of the incident are scarce, however, a Rio Tinto spokesman confirmed the fatality this morning.

“An employee working at Rio Tinto’s Channar mine site passed away last night following an incident on site,” he said.

“The company is fully supporting the employee’s family and work colleagues during this difficult time.

“We have advised authorities of the incident and are assisting them with their investigations.”

Western Australian Police also confirmed the incident and said they had been called to the mine near Paraburdoo at about 12:30am this morning.

The Channar mine is managed by Rio Tinto and held in a 60:40 joint venture with Sinosteel.