Blaster

The EE was loading lifters when a piece of rock (approx. 4'x 5' x 2') fell from the ceiling and struck the EE. The EE was not pinned under the rock. This resulted in a fatal accident.

On September 2, 2025, at approximately 3:30 p.m. James Gershman, a 61-year-old blaster with approximately 10 years of underground mining experience, was fatally injured when he was struck by a piece of rock that fell from the roof. The accident occurred because the mine operator did not properly identify and address hazardous ground conditions before performing work in the area.

1. The mine operator’s policies and procedures were not adequate to take down or support ground conditions that created a hazard to persons before work or travel commenced in this area.

   Corrective action: The mine operator developed a written policy and procedure. On the same day a blast will be conducted, a miner who is experienced in examining and testing for loose ground will test and conduct a visual examination of the roof, ribs, face, and geological conditions. An experienced scaler will then perform hand-scaling of the roof, ribs, and face before blasters go in to load holes, and will perform mechanical scaling as required. The mine operator will install roof support for certain mining and geological conditions, and for loose ground conditions, where it cannot be scaled down. The mine operator trained all miners on the policy and procedure.

Read the full report (PDF)

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

Activity at time of incident

Handling Supplies Or Material

Subunit / location

UNDERGROUND

Underground location

FACE

Mining method

Caving

Accident type

Struck by falling object

Source of injury

CAVING ROCK,COAL,ORE,WSTE

Nature of injury

MULTIPLE INJURIES

Body part affected

MULTIPLE PARTS (MORE THAN ONE MAJOR)

Total mining experience

10 years

Experience at this mine

10 years

Experience in this job

8 years

Degree of injury

FATALITY