Search and rescue teams from Cameroon are trying to find a plane that disappeared on Saturday, with six mining executives on board.

One of Australia's richest men, mining magnate, Ken Talbot, was on the Congo Republic-bound aircraft.

Talbot is a director of Perth-based Sundance Resources, which is developing a major iron ore mine in Cameroon.

Also missing is the company's chairman, Geoff Wedlock, and chief executive, Don Lewis.

Australian, Canadian and U.S. diplomats are assisting with search efforts.

Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd:

[Kevin Rudd, Australian Prime Minister]:
"We are working with the local authorities. Our Ambassador designate to the area is on the ground working as effectively as they can on the ground."

Apart from the six executives, one American, two British and two French nationals were also on the plane, according to Cameroon authorities.

Aviation officials lost contact with the aircraft about an hour after it departed Cameroon.