Kiwi killed at Aussie mine

A 24-year-old man has died on a mine site in the Pilbara, Western Australia.

The Construction Forestry Mining and Energy Union confirmed the body of an electrician was discovered at Fortescue Metals Group's Christmas Creek operation about 8pm yesterday.

CFMEU state secretary Mick Buchan said the man had been working alone when he was crushed by plant equipment.

"No-one should work alone, especially on night shift," Mr Buchan said. "We will be sending CFMEU representatives to speak to workers today and we want to be part of the investigation into the incident."

All work has been suspended at the mine site.

An Electrical Trades Union spokesman said the man was from New Zealand.

In a statement to the Australian Stock Exchange this morning, FMG said the man's family had been notified and civil and mine safety authorities had been advised.

Chaplaincy and counselling services were being made to colleagues at the mine, the statement said.

FMG operations director David Woodall said the Fortescue family were deeply saddened by the death.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the worker's loved ones at this time," Mr Woodall said. "Mining and processing operations at the mine were suspended overnight."

The Department of Minerals and Energy is investigating the death, which is reportedly the first on WA mine site in two years.

The iron ore mine is situated 60km south-west of Nullagine.