WA mine worker dies in hospital after serious injuries at Pilbara iron ore project

A 64-year-old mine worker has died after an accident at the Gina Rinehart-controlled Roy Hill iron ore project in Western Australia's Pilbara region.

Contractor NRW Holdings said the man sustained serious injuries yesterday morning and was flown to Perth for treatment but died in hospital hours later.

"We are devastated by the loss of our colleague and extend our sincerest condolences to his family, friends and colleagues," NRW said in a statement to the Australian Securities Exchange today.

"At the request of his family, NRW has not released his name and will not be providing any further details at this time."

The man worked for NRW's subsidiary DIAB Engineering, which it acquired last month through the purchase of BGC Contracting.

Roy Hill Holdings said it was saddened by his tragic death.

Both companies said the safety of staff was their number one priority and they were cooperating with the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety, which has sent two inspectors to the project to investigate.

"Safety stops across our sites to inform and support our workforce have been occurring," Roy Hill Holdings said.

"Support has been extended to the worker's family and colleagues."

Roy Hill is 70-per cent owned by Ms Rinehart's Hancock Prospecting, with the remainder held by foreign interests.