Mining Incidents

Moly Mine & Mill Metal/Non-Metal

Molycorp Inc · Facility
Controlled by Chevron Corporation
Taos County, NM  ·  Abandoned
MSHA Mine ID: 2900164

Watch this mine

Email me when a new MSHA incident is filed at Moly Mine & Mill.

Fatalities
0
Total incidents
45
Years on record
1983–1985
Latest incident
Nov 1985
No fatalities recorded at this mine.

Reportable incidents

45 on file

1985 · 12 incidents

November 5, 1985 NM · Metal/Non-Metal DUST DISEASE OF LUNGS
Molycorp Inc · Inhalation of radiations, caustics, toxic and noxious substances

EMP DID NOT HAV9 AN INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENT EMP CONTACTED INDUSTRIAL BRONCHITIS PER PHYSICIAN EMPLOYEES FIRST DAY AWAY FROM WORK WAS 11 05 85

September 25, 1985 NM · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech POWERED HAULAGE
Molycorp Inc · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

EMPLOYEE CLAIMS WHILE HE WAS STRADDLED OVER A SMALL MOTOR AT THE LEACH PLANT BOILER ROOM WORKING ON PULLEY WHEN A FIRE HOSE THAT ATTACHED TO A 2 IN PIPE THAT WOULD PUMP OUT THE SUMP GOT CAUGHT BY A VEHICLE TIRE PULLING THE HOSE AND CATCHING HIS LEFT BETWEEN PIPE AND MOTOR

September 14, 1985 NM · Metal/Non-Metal HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Molycorp Inc · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

DRILLER HIT CLAIMANTS HAND WHILE LOOSENING CORE. CLAIMANT WAS HOLDING TUBE WHILE DRILLER WAS STRIKING IT.

September 9, 1985 NM · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Molycorp Inc · Fall from machine

EMPLOYEE CLAIMS WHILE SERVICING 026 DOZER AT ES LUBE BAY WHILE FUELING HE SLIPPED ON TRACK OF DOZER GETTING CAUGHT INBETWEEN LUBE RAILING & FUEL NOZZLE SMASHING LEFT RING FINGER

August 23, 1985 NM · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech MACHINERY
Molycorp Inc · Struck by flying object

EMPLOYEE CLAIMS HE WAS USING GRINDER ON TRUCK #404 WHEN A PIECE OF STEEL FLEW AND HIT HIM ON THE LEFT EYE.

July 29, 1985 NM · Metal/Non-Metal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Molycorp Inc · Fall to the walkway or working surface

CLAIMANT WAS MAKING KELLY LOST FOOTING FELL ON STEEL DECK BRUISED LOWER BACK MUSCLES

July 17, 1985 NM · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Molycorp Inc · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EMPLOYEE CLAIMS HE WAS GOING DOWN STEPS TO CHECK PUMPS ON 175 FOOT THICKNER IN MILL & AS HE REACHED LAST STEP HE SLIPPED ON SOME MUD AS HE DID THIS HE GRABBED HAND RAIL PULLING MUSCLE ON RIGH T SHOULDER

June 21, 1985 NM · Metal/Non-Metal POWERED HAULAGE
Molycorp Inc · Caught in, under or between (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EMP CLAIMS WHILE LOADING A 55 GAL DRUM OF SILICON AT THE REAGENT BLD. ON TO A BOBCAT OPERATOR LOWERED THE FRONT SCOOP WHILE HE WAS TRYING TO CONTROL DRUM, IT DROPPED AND CAUGHT HIS FINGER ON LIP OF DRUM,

April 29, 1985 NM · Metal/Non-Metal bulldozer operator, universal operator, heavy equipment operator, operating engineer HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Molycorp Inc · Struck by flying object

EMPLOYEE CLAIMS HE WAS CLEANING BALL MILL GRATES. HE WAS HOLDING ONE HAMMER IN A WEDGING POSITION WHEN WITNESS HIT THE WEDGING HAMMER WITH HIS HAMMER, THE BALL CHIP DISLODGED AND STRUCK HIM ON THE FOREHEAD.

February 23, 1985 NM · Metal/Non-Metal prep plant foreman, supervisor, mill plant supervisor, kiln supervisor SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Molycorp Inc · Fall onto or against objects

EMPLOYEE CLAIMS WHILE WALKING INTO THE MILL THRU THE FLOTATION BASEMENT EAST SIDE ENTRANCE,HE SLIPPED ON A PATCH OF ICE AND FELL AGAINST A CONCRETE RETAINING WALL.

January 22, 1985 NM · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Molycorp Inc · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

EMPLOYEE WAS WORKING ON #4 BALL MILL SCOOP BOX INSTALLING BOX WHEN HIS RIGHT THUMB GOT CAUGHT BETWEEN UPPER AND LOWER HALFS OF SCOOP BOX. SCOOP BOX IS DIVIDED IN TWO PARTS

January 17, 1985 NM · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Molycorp Inc · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EMPLOYEE CLAIMS WHILE WALKING INTO THE CRANE AREA AT THE PRIMARY CRUSHER IN THE MILL, HE SLIPPED AND DID NOT FALL. HE FELT PAIN ON RIGHT SIDE OF NECK.

1984 · 24 incidents

November 16, 1984 NM · Metal/Non-Metal belt foreman, maintenance foreman, maintenance supervisor HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Molycorp Inc · Struck by falling object

EMPLOYEE CLAIMS HE WAS LOOKING FOR PARTS OUTSIDE OF MILL MAINTENANCE SHOP. A.D.D. BALANCER WAS LEANING AGAINST D.D. FRAME, APPROX. WEIGHT OF BLA BALANCER IS 60 LBS. HE HIT BALANCER ACCIDENTLY, BALANCER FELL TOWARDS SIDE, HITTING HIM ON LEFT ANKLE.

November 5, 1984 NM · Metal/Non-Metal welder (shop) MACHINERY
Molycorp Inc · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EMP WAS WORKING AT THE TAILINGS DAM, CUTTING REBAR FOR CARPENTERS WITH CUTTING TORCH. WHILE CUTTING 1/4" PENCIL ROD, ROD WAS COILED AND WHEN HE CUT STRETCHED COIL WITH BOLT CUTTERS COIL CAME BACK HITTING HIM ON R SIDE OF FACE AND EYE

October 8, 1984 NM · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech STRIKING OR BUMPING
Molycorp Inc · Struck against stationary object

EMPLOYEE CLAIMS WHILE GOING INTO TAILING PUMP ROOM TO REPAIR PUMP HE BUMPED HIS FOREHEAD ON DOR FRAME CAUSING A SMALL LACERATION ABOVE R. EYE.

September 17, 1984 NM · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Molycorp Inc · Fall from machine

EMPLOYEE CLAIMS HE WAS WORKING ON THE 025 DOZER AT THE TAILINGS DAM. AS HE WAS GETTING OFF HE STEPPED ON TRACK AND SLIPPED ON MUD ON DOZER ARM CAUSING HIM TO FALL AND HIT HIS BACK ON DOZER ARM

September 8, 1984 NM · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Molycorp Inc · Caught in, under or between (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EMPLOYEE CLAIMS HE WAS OPENING A CARDBOARD BOX WITH HIS POCKET KNFE AT THE GOAT HILL WAREHOUSE WHEN THE KNIFE GOT STUCK. HE TRIED TO PULL IT OUT AND IN THE PROCESS THE KNIFE CLOSED ON HIS RIG HT LITTLE FINGER

August 30, 1984 NM · Metal/Non-Metal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Molycorp Inc · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EMPL WORKING ON CLEANUP ON #5 FEED BELT TAIL PULLEY AREA.SHOVELLING IN A BENT POSITION AND FELT PAIN ON HIS NECK.

August 23, 1984 NM · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Molycorp Inc · Struck against stationary object

EMPLOYEE CLAIMS STANDARD CHUTE AT THE SECONDARY CRUSHER WAS PLUGGED WITH A PIECE OF WOOD APPROX 3"X12"X3\. IN THE PROCESS OF UNPLUGGING CHUTE WITNESS WAS HOLDING ON TO DRILL BAR AND I.NAME WAS HITTING OTHER END OF BAR WITH ANN 8 LB. DOUBLE JACK. HE MISSED THE BAR AND STRUCK HIS LEFT THUMB ON END OF BAR

August 22, 1984 NM · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Molycorp Inc · Struck by flying object

EMPLOYEE CLAIMS HE WAS PUTTING A PLUG ON THE BOTTOM OF #5 BALL MILL CYCLONE OVERFLOW SUMP WORKING OVERHEAD AND APPARENTLY DISLODGED A PIECE OF RUST WHICH STRUCK HIS L EYE

July 23, 1984 NM · Metal/Non-Metal carpenter SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Molycorp Inc · Fall to the walkway or working surface

EMP CLAIMS WHILE COMING DOWN FROM OLD MINE DRY HE SLIPPED LANDING WEIGHT OF BODY ON RIGHT ARM CAUSING ARM TO BECOME NUMB

July 3, 1984 NM · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Molycorp Inc · Struck by flying object

EMP CLAIMS HE WAS CLENAING MANTEL SHAFT AT THE SECONDARY CRUSHER WHEN HE FELT SOMETHING IN HIS RT EYE

June 25, 1984 NM · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Molycorp Inc · Struck against stationary object

EMP CLAIMS HE PICKED UP A 4X10 PIPE WHICH WAS BENT OUT OF SHAPE TO THROW IT OUT OF THE MOVING EQUIPMENTS WAY SO IT WOULD NOT GET INTO THE CRUSHER AS HE THREW THE PIPE HE STRUCK A STEEL B BEAM WITH HIS RT HAND INCIDENT OCCURRED AT THE PRIMARY CRUSHER AREA

May 24, 1984 NM · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Molycorp Inc · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EMPLOYEE CLAIMS HE WAS WORKING AT TAILING PUMP ROOM REBUILDING PUMP HE WAS IN THE PROCESS OF WASHING AREA HE CROSSED UNDER GLAND WATER LINE WHEN HE FELT PAIN ON LEFT SIDE.

May 8, 1984 NM · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Molycorp Inc · Struck by flying object

EMPLOYEE CLAIMS HE AND WITNESS WERE IN THE PROCESS OF REMOVING A PIN OFF THE PAN LINERS. I.NAME WAS USING A 16 OZ. HAMMER TO POUND PIN OFF THE PAN LINER, AND A PIECE OF METAL FLEW INTO I.NAME S LEFT ARM

March 28, 1984 NM · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Molycorp Inc · Fall to the walkway or working surface

EE CLAIMS HE WAS OPENING A WATER VELVE & WAS HOLDING THE HOSE WITH HIS RIGHT HAND & VALVE WITH HIS LEFT HAND AT THE EAST OF THE MILL STANDING ON CHECK VALVE. WHEN HE OPENED THE WATER VALVE THE PRESSURE ON THE WATER HOSE CAUSED HIM TO LOSE HIS BALANCE & SLIPPED OFF THE CHECK VALVE HIS MUSCLE ON LEFT SHOULDER.

March 23, 1984 NM · Metal/Non-Metal bulldozer operator, universal operator, heavy equipment operator, operating engineer MACHINERY
Molycorp Inc · Fall from machine

SHOVEL #002 WAS BEING MOVED FROM THE 8600 LEVEL TO THE 8640 LEVEL. SHOVEL WAS M OVING UP RAMP WHEN DAMACIO MARTINEZ, FOREMAN, NOTICED SHOVEL MOVING TO THE RIGHT. HE SIGNALED OPERATER TO STOP O PERATOR TRIED SHIFTING SHOVEL TO THE LEFT BUT SHOVEL STARTED FREE WHEELING BACKWARDS. ORLANDO CORDOVA WAS OPERATING THE 027 DOZER DIRECTLY BEHIND THE SHOVEL, ONE OR TWO FEET BACK. THE SHOVEL

March 1, 1984 NM · Metal/Non-Metal mine manager, mine foreman, mine owner SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Molycorp Inc · Fall to the walkway or working surface

EMPLOYEE CLAIMS WHILE INSPECTING CENTER CONE ON 150\ THICKNER AT THE MILL HE SLIPPED AND FELL STRIKING HIS RIGHT ELBOW ON THICKNER FLOOR.

February 24, 1984 NM · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Molycorp Inc · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

HE WAS TIGHTENING A DRESSER COUPLING BOLT ON TAILINGS PIPE AT TAILING DAM 1-C BERM USING A SPRECIAL GEARED WRENCH MADE FOR THE DRESSER BOLTS AND NUTS. HE WAS TIGHTENING THE NUT WITH BODY WE IGHT APPLIED WHEN THE GEARED WRENCH SLIPPED RELEASING THRUST AND SENDING HIS ARM WITH QUICK JERK MOTION. HE FELT PAIN ON ANTERIOR PART OF RIGHT ELBOW.

February 13, 1984 NM · Metal/Non-Metal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Molycorp Inc · Struck by flying object

EMP CLAIMS HE WAS CLENING GRINDING BALLS OUT OF THE #1 BALL MILL SCOOP BOX WHEN A PIECE OF STEEL CHIP FLEW OFF A GRINDING BALL WHEN IT WAS STRUCK WITH A SLEDGE HAMMER AND HIT HIM ON THE LIP AN CHIPPED ONE TOOTH

February 8, 1984 NM · Metal/Non-Metal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver POWERED HAULAGE
Molycorp Inc · Struck against a moving object

EMPLOYEE CLAIMS HE WAS DRIVING 215 ELECTRA HAUL TRUCK AND WAS BACKING INTO THE S-9 STOCK PILE AT THE PIT TO DUMP A LOAD. HE DID N OT SEE THE HOLE USED BY THE LOADER OPERATOR TO LOAD TRUCK EAR

January 27, 1984 NM · Metal/Non-Metal bulldozer operator, universal operator, heavy equipment operator, operating engineer SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Molycorp Inc · Fall onto or against objects

WALKING TOWARD WORK AREA -OPERATORS SHACK-BEHIND GAS SHOP WHEN SLIPPED ON ICE AND FELL FORWARD HITTING LOWER LIP ON LUNCH BUCKET.

January 16, 1984 NM · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Molycorp Inc · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

WORKING INSIDE #1 BALL MILL KNOCKING OUT SHELL LINER WHEN BOLT WAS KNOCKED OUT FROM OUTSIDE AND HIT HIM ON LEFT SHIN BONE.

January 15, 1984 NM · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Molycorp Inc · Over-exertion in lifting objects

EE CLAIMS HE & WITNESSES WERE REBUILDING THE FILTRATE PUMP IN THE DRY BUILDING IN THE MILL. MONTOYA & ROMERO WERE LIFTING THE BROKEN PUMP BARREL ONTO THE TRUCK. THE BARREL STARTED TO SLIP FRO M MONTOYA\S GRIP. IN STOPPING THE BARREL SLIPPING HE STRAINED HIS LOWER BACK.

January 7, 1984 NM · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator OTHER
Molycorp Inc · Bodily reaction, (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EMPLOYEE CLAIMS HE WAS CLEANING OUT THE SCRUBBER IN THE DRYING BUILDING IN THE MILL. HE WAS APPARENTLY REACHING FOR A 18 IN BY 12 IN PIECE OF PIPE AND FELT A CHARLIE HORSE IN HIS BACK.

January 3, 1984 NM · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Molycorp Inc · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EMPLOYEE CLAIMS HE WAS WORKING ON TRUCK 202 REMOVING MAIN HYDRAULIC PUMP EMPLOYEE HAD TO LIFT AND PULL AT THE SAME TIME AND WHEN HE PULLED PUMP HE FELT A STRAIN ON HIS LEFT SHOULDER

1983 · 9 incidents

December 19, 1983 NM · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Molycorp Inc · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EMPLOYEE CLAIMS HE WAS INSTALLING BOLTS IN NEW LINERS TO THE MILL SHELL THE BOLT WOULD NOT GO THROUGH THE HOLE SO HE USED A BARS POINT AS A HAMMER THE BAR POINT DID NOT HIT BUT INSTEAD HIT HIS LEFT FOURTH FINGER

December 16, 1983 NM · Metal/Non-Metal clerk, timekeeper, office worker, director of sales HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Molycorp Inc · Caught in, under or between (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EMPLOYEE CLAIMS SHE WAS PREPARING TO LEAVE WORK AREA (DESK) WHEN SHE GOT HER RIGHT 3RD FINGER CAUGHT IN DESK DRAWER.

November 9, 1983 NM · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator IGNITION OR EXPLOSION OF GAS OR DUST
Molycorp Inc · Contact with hot objects or substances

EMPLOYEE CLAIMS HE WAS GOING TO LIGHT HEATER AT THE MECHANIC SHACK AT THE 1045 WITH A LIGHTER WHEN IT BLEW UP ON HIS FACE.

September 26, 1983 NM · Metal/Non-Metal assayer, geologist, metallurgist, engineer, engineer management POWERED HAULAGE
Molycorp Inc · Struck against a moving object

BACKING UP POWDER TRUCK AT ADMIN BLDG REAR LOT WHEN STRUCK LIGHT POLE.IMPACT CAUSED FACE TO STRIKE WINDOW FRAME.

September 19, 1983 NM · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Molycorp Inc · Struck by falling object

WORKING ON #1 BALL MILL AT MILL MAINT SHOP.OTHER EMPL COMING DOWN LADDER WHEN LADER SLIPPED AND EMPL WAS GOING TO HOLD LADDER.AT THAT TIME OTHER EMPL GRABBED STEEL SADDLE TO HOLD ON AND SADDLE FELL STRIKING EMPL ON LEFT FOOT.

August 3, 1983 NM · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Molycorp Inc · Struck by falling object

EE CLAIMS HE WAS REMOVING HOIST BRAKE ASSEMBLY FROM THE #002 P & H SHOVEL AT THE CRUSHER AREA & WHEN HE PLACED DRUM PIN ON TOP OF HOIST DRUM, THE PIN ROLLED FROM DRUM HITTING HIM ON T HE RIGH T SMALL TOE.

March 21, 1983 NM · Metal/Non-Metal carpenter HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Molycorp Inc · Struck by flying object

HE WAS HAND SAWING PANELING ON AN UPWARD POSITION IN THE ACCOUNTING DEPARTMENT WHEN HE FELT A FOREIGN PARTICLE IN HIS RIGHT EYE.

March 5, 1983 NM · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Molycorp Inc · Fall down stairs

GOING DOWNSTAIRS,LOST FOOTING AND HIT HEAD ON METAL LADDER STAIR.

January 13, 1983 NM · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator POWERED HAULAGE
Molycorp Inc · Struck against a moving object

EMPLOYEE CLAIMS HE WAS OPERATING 213 HAUL TRUCK AT THE DECLINE DUMP. HE HAD DUMPED FIRST LOAD AND WAS RETURNING TO THE 1 TRANSFER TOWER. DYNAMIC BRAKES FAILED ON SMALL INCLINE AND AIR BRAKES W ERE TRIED BUT ALSO REPORTED AS FAILED. EMPLOYEE TURNED TRUCK INTO BANK HITTING LARGE CONCRETE BLOCK SCAUSING TRUCK TO BOUNCE. EMPLOYEE INJURED HIS RIGHT KNEE AND ANKLE WHEN HE WAS THROWN ABOU