A Newcrest spokesman confirmed the fatality to MiningNews.net this morning.

"I can confirm that a serious incident occurred yesterday morning, which tragically resulted in the death of a contractor," he said.

The incident occurred at the tailings discharge line at the mine's tailings storage facility.

The Department of Mines and Petroleum is onsite investigating the accident.

The Newcrest spokesman said operations were suspended for most of yesterday but had restarted last night.

"Newcrest is extending our sincerest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of the man and are providing any assistance we can at this time," he said.

The death is the second this year in a WA mine, with a fatal accident at Fortescue Metals Group's Christmas Creek mine in August ending a two-year period of no fatalities.