The worker, who sustained neck and head trauma following an incident involving “some sort of structure”, failed to respond to CPR delivered by paramedics, NSW Ambulance said.

Baird, in Orange yesterday to open Newcrest’s Cadia East gold mine, was still digesting news of the fatality – the latest in a string of incidents that have shocked the industry.

“I've literally just heard those details,” Baird said.

“I’m obviously terribly sad and my condolences go out to that family. That is a tragedy - we never like to see that in any way so we pass on our condolences to the family.

“And I do note here that as part of the presentation that there is absolute pride in putting safety at the front of everything and I think that is obviously what we want to see across all mining in New South Wales.”

Idemitsu Australia Resources has confirmed that the deceased was a construction rigger working for the Thiess Sedgman Joint Venture on the mine’s CHPP expansion project.

All mining had ceased until further notice and Idemitsu Australia Resources was cooperating with police and investigating authoritie, it said in a statement.

“The SES and the ambulance service attended the site immediately.

Unfortunately the person involved in the incident was declared deceased at the scene,” the company said.

“Our main priority is the family and workmates of the person involved and we will work closely with our construction contractor to provide the appropriate support and assistance at this time.

“Our deepest sympathies are extended to the family of the person involved.”

The victim’s name has not yet been released.

Thiess Sedgman said it was assisting those investigating the tragedy.

“Thiess and Sedgman extend their deepest sympathies to the employee’s family and full support is being extended to them,” it said.

“Trauma counselling is being provided to people onsite.”