Miner

A visitor to the mine site was in a unauthorized area running a sluice box in a unstable trench when it collapsed and buried them. The trench was tapered and made safe to remove their body.

On September 14, 2021, at approximately 1:00 p.m., Richard Schwentner, a 70 year-old guest at the mine, died when a 20-foot highwall collapsed and engulfed him. The accident occurred because the mine operator did not: 1) notify MSHA when mining commenced; 2) verify that the visitor received the minimum required training; and 3) post signs to warn of hazardous ground conditions, or erect access barriers to impede unauthorized entry to the area.

1. The mine operator did not notify MSHA when mining commenced.

   Corrective action: The mine operator has officially notified MSHA of the commencement of operations and MSHA will continue to inspect the mine in accordance with the Mine Act.

2. The mine operator did not verify that the visitor received the minimum required training.

   Corrective action: The mine operator established a training plan that addresses all tasks performed at the mine. The mine operator trained all miners according to the requirements of the training plan, which was submitted to and received approval from the MSHA District Manager. The mine operator will continue to train all miners and guests at the mine according to the training plan, as required under the Mine Act and MSHA regulations.

3. The mine operator did not post signs to warn of hazardous ground conditions, or erect access barriers to impede unauthorized entry to the area.

   Corrective action: The mine operator developed a new written procedure for restricting access or providing safe access to hazardous areas of the mine. The mine operator trained all miners in this new written procedure.

Read the full report (PDF)

Findings from MSHA's final investigation report, which supersedes the preliminary narrative above.

Activity at time of incident

Unknown

Subunit / location

STRIP, QUARY, OPEN PIT

Accident type

Caught in, under or between collapsing material or buildings

Source of injury

BROKEN ROCK,COAL,ORE,WSTE

Nature of injury

UNCLASSIFIED,NOT DETERMED

Body part affected

UNCLASSIFIED

Degree of injury

FATALITY