Lithium miner IGO boss Peter Bradford dies

The chief executive of a West Australian mining company died over the weekend.

Lithium, nickel, copper and cobalt miner IGO said on Monday that Peter Bradford died on Saturday. A cause was not specified but the death of the 64-year-old is understood to be from natural causes.

"Peter was an inspirational leader, an innovative and strategic thinker and a compassionate mentor who transformed IGO into the company that it is today - a globally recognised, ASX100 listed company focused on creating a better planet," it said.

"His passion for mining and resources and his personal drive to raise the bar across the industry was unparalleled."

Mr Bradford was passionate about climate change and the role the mining industry could play in the transition to a clean energy future, IGO said.

The metals that the company mines are vital to the electric vehicle industry.

Mr Bradford had been CEO and managing director of IGO since March 2014 and had worked in the mining industry since 1979, both in WA and around the world.

He was also an active mentor for the Women in Mining WA organisation and a committee member of CEOs for Gender Equity Inc.

"We greatly admired Peter for not just his vision and commitment to delivering on our purpose but also for his endearing humility and enormous humanity," non-executive chairman Michael Nossal said.

The IGO board has appointed chief operating officer Matt Dusci as acting chief executive, effective immediately, while it conducts a formal search for a permanent CEO.

IGO shares were down 4.8 per cent to $14.59 at 10.34am AEDT on a dismal morning for the market.