An investigation has been opened in New Caledonia after a fatal accident at the SLN nickel plant in Noumea.
The company issued a statement, saying just before midnight a 35 year-old worker fell ten metres.
It said efforts to revive the man failed and he was pronounced dead in the early hours of this morning.
Support is being offered to his work colleagues.
The victim, who had worked at SLN since 2004, is survived by his wife and five children.