Another miner dies at Mt Lyell copper mine on Tasmania's West Coast

UPDATED: A MAN has died in a mud slide at Mt Lyell copper mine on Tasmania's West Coast – the third death at the site in the past six weeks.

Mt Lyell

A MAN has died in a mud slide at Mt Lyell copper mine on Tasmania's West Coast – the third death at the site in the past six weeks.

The 53-year-old worker, a loader operator employed by underground hard-rock mining contractor Barminco Limited, was unresponsive when found by the mine's rescue team after a "mud rush" in the lower levels of the mine.

The accident happened about 8am, with paramedics, an ambulance and police officers all called to the scene.

Copper Mines of Tasmania general manager Scott Clyde said the death -- the third at the mine in less than two months -- was extremely regrettable.

"Our deepest sympathies are with the family of the worker, his immediate workmates and also our other site employees who will be saddened by this tragic accident," Mr Clyde said in a statement.

Barminco also expressed its deepest sympathy to the man's family, friends and colleagues.

Operations at the mine have been suspended while investigations continue.

The Australian Workers' Union said the man's death was deeply distressing for miners and the Queenstown community, which is still struggling after last month's double fatality.

"His death is a huge tragedy and will be a major blow to a town already experiencing a deep sadness," AWU acting national secretary Scott McDine said in a statement.

AWU Tasmanian branch secretary Ian Wakefield said union representatives were travelling to the mine to offer extra support to workers.

"The community has lost a well-regarded member, our mining community has lost a respected colleague, and a local family has been devastated by having a loved one torn away from them without warning," he said.

"Words cannot express just how difficult it will be for them to deal with this tragic death."

Tasmania Police and Worksafe Tasmania are at the site.

Counsellors are on their way and will be available to help those affected by the tragedy.

On December 9, two men died after falling 35m from a maintenance platform in the mine's main shaft.