Updated July 04, 2017 20:04:07

Photo: Yandicoogina is an iron ore mine located almost 100 kilometres from Newman. (ABC News: Kathryn Diss)

A man aged in his early 50s has died at a Rio Tinto mine site in Western Australia's Pilbara region.

Rio Tinto said the worker died at its Yandicoogina iron ore mine, almost 100 kilometres north-west of Newman, on Tuesday morning.

"An employee at Rio Tinto's Yandicoogina iron ore mine passed away this morning following a serious incident on site," the company said in a statement.

"Emergency services are on scene.

"Rio Tinto has advised the relevant authorities and will assist their investigations.

"The company will provide all the necessary support for the employee's family and colleagues during this difficult time."

Police believe the man was aged in his early 50s and have launched an investigation into his death.

A police spokeswoman said the death was reported to them just after midday and officers were at the scene.

The Department of Mines and Petroleum is also investigating what happened.

Topics: mining-industry, mining-rural, perth-6000, karratha-6714, wa

First posted July 04, 2017 19:38:48