The man, presumed dead, is 44-year-old Cameron Goss, of Queenstown.

"Mr Goss, a local Queenstown resident, well-loved on the West Coast, was experienced in the mining industry," Inspector Shane LeFevre said.

"His loss is devastating to the family, friends and the local community, together to the wider mining industry across Australia."

"The family of the deceased are coming to terms with their loss and they request continued privacy at this time as they grieve."

The Inspector said recovery efforts were continuing at the mine site.