Mining Incidents
Fatality · MSHA Record #220232420027

Outside Foreman

August 24, 2023 at 7:48 AM
MN Portable Wash 086 (A5567 Wash Plant) · Surface · Metal/Non-Metal
Mille Lacs County, MN
Classification MACHINERY
Type Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object
Investigator narrative
While attempting to lower feed box on wash plant employee was trapped between feed box and hand railing causing fatal injuries to employee.
Final MSHA investigation
On August 24, 2023, at 7:48 a.m., Chad Minenko, a 45 year-old lead with over 17 years of mining experience, died when a wash plant feed box struck and pinned him between the feed box and a handrail.The accident occurred because the mine operator did not: 1) block the feed box against hazardous motion, and 2) correct the hazards of the low oil level in the feed box hydraulic lift system.

Read the full report (PDF)

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

Record details
Activity at time of incident
Machine Maintenance
Subunit / location
STRIP, QUARY, OPEN PIT
Accident type
Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object
Source of injury
MACHINE-MILL,CLEANING PLT
Nature of injury
CRUSHING
Body part affected
CHEST (RIBS/BREAST BONE/CHEST ORGNS)
Total mining experience
17 years
Experience at this mine
9 years
Experience in this job
17 years
Degree of injury
FATALITY
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Source: US Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) · Document 220232420027 · Mine ID 2103205 Trainer view →