A worker at one of Rio Tinto’s Mines near Pannawonica died of a suspected heart attack after being taken to hospital on Sunday.
A Rio Tinto spokesman said the dead man was a contractor who felt unwell before starting his shift at a Robe Valley mine.
Industry sources say scaffolder Mervyn Bunyan died on Sunday around 5pm after complaining of chest and back pains at 5am.
Ngaarda Media understands Rio Tinto finally got him an ambulance to transfer him to Karratha hospital at 1pm, eight hours after his symptoms first appeared.
Scaffolders Australia-wide have taken to social media demanding to know why the worker was not taken to hospital sooner.
Friends have started a GoFundMe page to raise funds for his partner and children.
Mr Bunyan’s employer Maintain Group has been contacted for comment.