The man, who was believed to be 62 years old, was carrying out exploration work on a tenement south of the mine.

"The accident involved a fitter who was working a dozer being used to clear land for exploration drilling," Department of Mines and Petroleum director of mine safety Andrew Chaplyn said.

Two DMP inspectors were immediately diverted to the site and two more will travel to Woodie Woodie today.

Police are investigating and will prepare a report for the coroner.

No further details will be released until the man's next of kin have been notified.

"This is a very sad occurrence and our thoughts go out to the family, friends and work mates of the person involved," ConsMin Australia managing director Paul Muller said.

Woodie Woodie is around 400km southeast of Port Hedland and is operated by ConsMin subsidiary Pilbara Manganese.

ConsMin is Ukrainian owned with operations in Australia and Ghana.