Mining Incidents

Kennecott Keystone Underground Metal/Non-Metal

Kennecott Utah Copper LLC · Underground
Controlled by Rio Tinto Group
Copperton, Salt Lake County, UT  ·  Active
MSHA Mine ID: 4201392

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Fatalities
1
Total incidents
60
Years on record
2006–2026
Latest incident
Mar 2026

Fatalities at this mine

1 recorded
March 12, 2026 UT · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech Fatality · MACHINERY
Kennecott Utah Copper LLC · Struck by powered moving object

At approximately 05.12am on the 12th March 2026, a mechanic was struck by a drill boom in a surface workshop, causing fatal injuries.

Reportable incidents

59 on file (excluding fatalities above)

2026 · 1 incident

February 6, 2026 UT · Metal/Non-Metal miner, nec INUNDATION
Kennecott Utah Copper LLC · (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Bad Air through bore hole caused oxygen deficient atmosphere and small amounts of H2S gas. Crew driving underground jeep lost power, employee then exited the jeep to check the master switch, the employee immediately could not breath, and yelled to the other two, they then grabbed their rescuers and retreated up the NOSS to fresh air.

2025 · 8 incidents

November 28, 2025 UT · Metal/Non-Metal laborer, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, roof trimmer/scaler HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Kennecott Utah Copper LLC · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Crew was hand installing cable bolts at the 3100 intersection. The injured person was handing cable up to miners in a work basket when the employee felt one catch on their arm. The employee finished feeding the cable and noticed bleeding from a laceration on the left wrist. Employee received 10 stitches.

November 4, 2025 UT · Metal/Non-Metal laborer, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, roof trimmer/scaler POWERED HAULAGE
Kennecott Utah Copper LLC · Struck against stationary object

Sandvik Scoop LH02 operator was mucking in 3250 OD25. As the scoop was moving around a corner the operator was leaning forward with their head turned to get better visibility. The scoop hit a bump causing the operator's head, above the right eye, to contact the window, the operator briefly lost consciousness.

September 17, 2025 UT · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Kennecott Utah Copper LLC · Struck by flying object

EE came to safety on 9/21/2025 complaining of irritation in the right eye, The EE said on 9/17/2025, while working to restore mine water, dirty water splashed into their right eye. The EE rinsed the eye and used eye drops for a few days, but the eye got redder and more irritated. The EE was taken to the clinic on 9/21/2025 and was prescribed eye drops as a precautionary measure.

September 11, 2025 UT · Metal/Non-Metal laborer, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, roof trimmer/scaler HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Kennecott Utah Copper LLC · Over-exertion in lifting objects

An offsider for the 3175 jumbo was gathering bolting supplies in the NRS. While lifting sections of wire to place blocks, the worker felt a pop and burning sensation in their right lower bicep. Thinking it was minor, they finished the task, but after reporting it to the jumbo operator, the shift supervisor was notified and the worker was brought to the surface.

July 1, 2025 UT · Metal/Non-Metal electrician, lineman HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Kennecott Utah Copper LLC · Fall onto or against objects

At the end of day shift, an Electrician was relocating equipment by manually carrying it from a parked scissor deck to a nearby light vehicle. As the Electrician was walking, they lost their footing and fell, contacting the bottom lip on the equipment being handled, causing a laceration.

June 10, 2025 UT · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Kennecott Utah Copper LLC · Struck by flying object

Employee was hammering on a piece of metal when a metal shard broke off, penetrating and lacerating their right thigh. The laceration required stitches to close.

March 29, 2025 UT · Metal/Non-Metal rock driller POWERED HAULAGE
Kennecott Utah Copper LLC · Struck by falling object

Employee and a geo-tech were pull-testing bolts. A bolt plate was placed beneath one of the legs of the pull tester so the leg would not get trapped in the mesh. Tension was pulled and the bolt passed. The employee unscrewed the nut securing the pull testing machine to the bolt. When removing the nut, the bolt plate became loose and fell 3-4 ft hitting the employee in the lip.

February 3, 2025 UT · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Kennecott Utah Copper LLC · Fall from machine

2/3 EE got down from loader to 3' ladder, EE's pantleg caught on a bolt, EE lost balance, fell, and twisted knee. 2/4 EE taken for a medical eval. and cleared to return w/o restrictions. EE follow up 2/24, 3/28 still cleared to return w/o restrictions. 4/21 MRI shows possible strain/tear of right knee ACL PCL. 5/30 EE referred to PT and cleared to return with modified duty.

2024 · 5 incidents

August 24, 2024 UT · Metal/Non-Metal miner, nec SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Kennecott Utah Copper LLC · Fall to the walkway or working surface

Employee (EE) was delivering 16' jumbo steel to the 3520 ORD9 using an Integrated Tool Carrier (IT). Once parked, EE offloaded two pieces of steel. While lifting both pieces of steel under their right shoulder, EE began walking forward. As the steel came off the IT, the imbalanced weight caused EE to fall to ground. As EE was drug to the ground, pain was felt in the right ankle.

August 19, 2024 UT · Metal/Non-Metal FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Kennecott Utah Copper LLC · Accident type, without injuries

While installing long support in a production drift, a section of the back failed and fell onto the boom of the cable bolter. The operator was able to safely exit the cab of the bolter and call for assistance. There were no injuries to personnel.

July 21, 2024 UT · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Kennecott Utah Copper LLC · Struck against stationary object

An employee was troubleshooting a 4x4 lever on a bus that was stuck. When EE was unable to engage the lever with EE's arm, EE used EE's leg for additional force/leverage. The knob on the lever is threaded and while force was applied, the knob unthreaded. This caused the foot to slip off the lever and contact the dash of the bus which resulted in a fracture to EE's fibula.

May 3, 2024 UT · Metal/Non-Metal laborer, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, roof trimmer/scaler HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Kennecott Utah Copper LLC · Over-exertion in lifting objects

Employee felt discomfort and difficulty breathing due to chest pain while making bolts. Medical assistance was alerted. It was not believed to be work related. Employee was transported to the hospital for evaluation. Further information revealed that pain was first noticed while lifting (total weight:30lbs). Later described feeling a 'pop' and discomfort when handling the bolts.

March 10, 2024 UT · Metal/Non-Metal FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Kennecott Utah Copper LLC · Accident type, without injuries

A run of ground occurred while advancing the face of the 3325 FWD 02 drift. The run of ground started in the upper left corner of the face and propagated back into the last row of installed ground support. The event occurred while the bolter had rigged out to allow for clean up and application of shotcrete. No personnel were affected and no travel or escape ways were impacted.

2023 · 3 incidents

November 25, 2023 UT · Metal/Non-Metal assayer, geologist, metallurgist, engineer, engineer management POWERED HAULAGE
Kennecott Utah Copper LLC · Struck by powered moving object

A loader collided with a light duty vehicle in the underground in a muck bay, which resulted in the one worker sustaining leg and hand injuries and needing to be extricated from the vehicle. The worker was cared for and then life flighted to Health Care in UT.

July 25, 2023 UT · Metal/Non-Metal miner, nec EXPLODING VESSELS UNDER PRESSURE
Kennecott Utah Copper LLC · Absorption of radiations, caustics, toxic and noxious substances

A Spraymec operator and the Remix operator were attempting to unplug the mixing chamber on the Spraymec nozzle. The Spraymec operator was hit in the eyes with the shotcrete and received chemical burns that were treated at the Emergency Room and later by an eye specialist.

January 26, 2023 UT · Metal/Non-Metal truck driver EXPLODING VESSELS UNDER PRESSURE
Kennecott Utah Copper LLC · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

The employee sustained a fracture and laceration to the middle finger, and a laceration to the ring finger on the left hand, when loosening a 4' clamp. The clamp came off forcefully due to the air pressure remaining in the line.

2022 · 3 incidents

August 3, 2022 UT · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech MACHINERY
Kennecott Utah Copper LLC · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

A Mechanic's left finger was fractured while performing maintenance on a Epiroc Bolter, when EE placed EE's finger in the line of fire of the bolt grabber that was rotated by a second Mechanic.

April 20, 2022 UT · Metal/Non-Metal truck driver POWERED HAULAGE
Kennecott Utah Copper LLC · Struck against a moving object

While traveling down the Common Access decline with three passengers the driver of the UTV lost brakes. The operator was able to steer the UTV into a pillar and the employee riding in the front passenger seat, while wearing a seat belt, hit Nose, Forehead, and Tooth, also scraped right Hand. Lacerations to the eye brow and nose required sutures to close.

March 3, 2022 UT · Metal/Non-Metal laborer, bull gang, faceman, parts runner, roustabout, roof trimmer/scaler HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Kennecott Utah Copper LLC · Over-exertion in lifting objects

The employee lifted the middle section of a 40' 4" HDPE pipe to move it closer to the rib and felt a pop in right bicep. The employee injured the tendon that attaches to the upper bicep muscle.

2021 · 1 incident

January 20, 2021 UT · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Kennecott Utah Copper LLC · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Tightening a fitting in a small space under truck, only could turn fitting 1/4 turn at time, didn't get wrench all the way on and it slipped hitting EE in the tooth chipping the tooth.

2020 · 2 incidents

June 2, 2020 UT · Metal/Non-Metal clerk, timekeeper, office worker, director of sales OTHER
Kennecott Utah Copper LLC · Bodily reaction, (Not Elsewhere Classified)

IE was looking for printer paper while bent at the waist felt a sharp pain in lower back. IE contacted health services company for advice, due to symptoms described OC meds were prescribed. After experiencing discomfort while at rest the IE setup a clinic visit and received prescription medication seven days after initial injury.

2017 · 5 incidents

August 31, 2017 UT · Metal/Non-Metal miner, nec HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Kennecott Utah Copper LLC · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

The employee's hand was pinched between the 6" HDPE pipe and the middle post on the work deck when the pipe slipped off the end post. The contact caused a laceration to the palm of the right hand.

July 7, 2017 UT · Metal/Non-Metal superintendent SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Kennecott Utah Copper LLC · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee twisted knee resulting in a torn anterior cruciate Ligament while climbing down from a flatbed trailer.

June 22, 2017 UT · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Kennecott Utah Copper LLC · Fall to the walkway or working surface

Employee slipped and fell in the Kennecott dry this morning. There was a puddle of water on the floor near the sink where the employee slipped on.

May 12, 2017 UT · Metal/Non-Metal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Kennecott Utah Copper LLC · Fall from machine

Driver had removed the 3 side panels from the stake bed delivery truck and leaned them against the opposite side of the truck. A strong gust of wind caused the stacked side panels to fall and strike the driver in the back, causing the driver to fall to the ground from the truck bed. EE broke EE's left arm between the shoulder and elbow and had other minor abrasions.

April 3, 2017 UT · Metal/Non-Metal drill helper SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Kennecott Utah Copper LLC · Fall onto or against objects

A helper was installing a ground rod for a light plant on a new drill site when EE inadvertently miss struck the ground rod causing EE to contact lower left lip/chin on the ground rod.

2016 · 4 incidents

May 11, 2016 UT · Metal/Non-Metal driller operator POWERED HAULAGE
Kennecott Utah Copper LLC · Struck by rolling or sliding object

Loading core press with forklift. Press slid on fork, cutting employee's finger. 8 stitches required to close wound.

January 31, 2016 UT · Metal/Non-Metal tipple/top lander/skip dumper operator, binman, topman HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Kennecott Utah Copper LLC · Caught in, under or between two or more moving objects

The employee pinched right thumb between two pieces of 4" HDPE pipe while preparing the load for transport.

January 26, 2016 UT · Metal/Non-Metal supply man, supply worker, nipper SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Kennecott Utah Copper LLC · Fall to the walkway or working surface

In the process of a rig move, a rolled up 1" hose was ready for move and an employee had tripped over it and fell to the ground (same level) striking EE's right arm on the ground breaking EE's right elbow.

2014 · 4 incidents

December 26, 2014 UT · Metal/Non-Metal laborer, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, roof trimmer/scaler POWERED HAULAGE
Kennecott Utah Copper LLC · Struck by powered moving object

While backing up the Forklift the employee in the man basket was thrown up off the deck, the fall protection stopped the employee brining him back down and the employee lacerated his ear and chin on the man basket hand rail.

December 8, 2014 UT · Metal/Non-Metal drill helper HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Kennecott Utah Copper LLC · Struck by falling object

The employee had thought that the survey tool was falling and went to grab it when it hit the ground smashing his left hand between the survey tool and the ground.

January 9, 2014 UT · Metal/Non-Metal drill helper HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Kennecott Utah Copper LLC · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was hooking up tongs to break 9" collar and twisted to lock the jaws after locking employee stood up and felt pain in lower back.

January 2, 2014 UT · Metal/Non-Metal outside foreman, leadman HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Kennecott Utah Copper LLC · Struck by falling object

Employees were moving an air compressor cooling unit with a forklift. While setting the unit down it fell over striking an employee causing a fracture of his right ankle which required surgical repair.

2013 · 9 incidents

December 9, 2013 UT · Metal/Non-Metal ledgeman/hand, quarry man MACHINERY
Kennecott Utah Copper LLC · Absorption of radiations, caustics, toxic and noxious substances

The employee was sprayed in the face with Shotcrete while attempting to check for blockage in the line while operating a Normet Shotcrete sprayer. The employees Safety Glasses were blown off and he received minor corneal burns requiring prescription medication for the eyes. The employee was released to full duty at the time of initial treatment.

October 29, 2013 UT · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Kennecott Utah Copper LLC · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

The employees foot was pinched between the outrigger and wheel cover on a Atlas Copco Bolter when he stepped on it to clean the windshield. The employee received a sprain and contusion resulting in swelling to the ankle and upper foot.

August 21, 2013 UT · Metal/Non-Metal HOISTING
Kennecott Utah Copper LLC · Accident type, without injuries

The sensor for the main brake location malfunctioned and was not communicating with the hoist PLC

May 9, 2013 UT · Metal/Non-Metal HOISTING
Kennecott Utah Copper LLC · Accident type, without injuries

crew signaled to raise shaft conveyance up, when hoist man went to raise conveyance there was no power getting to the motor or brake system

April 27, 2013 UT · Metal/Non-Metal HOISTING
Kennecott Utah Copper LLC · Accident type, without injuries

Hoistman was going to move mancage off of collar doors when the pinion brake would not release.

March 30, 2013 UT · Metal/Non-Metal HOISTING
Kennecott Utah Copper LLC · Accident type, without injuries

The DC contactors in the hoist room control system fused together and at the same time the dynamic brake control unit burned its' circuitry control boards. The boards and circuitry have been replaced and hoist is now running.

March 16, 2013 UT · Metal/Non-Metal HOISTING
Kennecott Utah Copper LLC · Accident type, without injuries

The brass bearing on the lilly limit ceased up causing the cast iron bracket to break, the bearing and bracket have to be made at a machine shop. So the hoist is inoperable.

February 4, 2013 UT · Metal/Non-Metal HOISTING
Kennecott Utah Copper LLC · Accident type, without injuries

The shaft coupler on the tachometer generator for 8' allis chalmers hoist sheared off, shutting down the hoist. this unit sends a signal to the computer telling it how fast the hoist is going, without the correct signal the hoist shuts down.

January 23, 2013 UT · Metal/Non-Metal HOISTING
Kennecott Utah Copper LLC · Accident type, without injuries

When Hoist man moved skip above collar doors he noticed the high amp indicator light came on, he went to check the MCC room, when he got there he noticed smoke coming out of the vents, on further investigation he found the contacts for the 2300 volt system were burnt and melted.

2011 · 1 incident

September 13, 2011 UT · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Kennecott Utah Copper LLC · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

Invert was brought in with a bobcat. Tag line was attached. Tag line was removed in order to set in place. Invert was partially under the belt when it was set down to reposition the rigging. As invert was lowered one end raised up due to uneven ground. EE had a hand on the invert, when it came up his finger was pinched between the invert and the under carriage of the conveyer belt.

2008 · 5 incidents

October 8, 2008 UT · Metal/Non-Metal drill helper SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Kennecott Utah Copper LLC · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was stepping off platform on flat ground; he shifted his weight to right ankle and it rolled undearneath him. Right ankle strain.

September 8, 2008 UT · Metal/Non-Metal drill helper MACHINERY
Kennecott Utah Copper LLC · Struck by falling object

PVC pipe broke and fell out of drilled hole striking EE arm. Laceration to arm requiring stitches.

April 9, 2008 UT · Metal/Non-Metal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman OTHER
Kennecott Utah Copper LLC · Bodily reaction, (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE stated that on the 8th or 9th of April he was working in the shop when an unknown event strained his left elbow. He reported injury on 4/10/08, took EE to DR and could not find any damage, but gave EE restricted duty.

March 9, 2008 UT · Metal/Non-Metal laborer, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, roof trimmer/scaler HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Kennecott Utah Copper LLC · Struck by flying object

A Miner was blowing out a hole drilled, when drill cuttings passed beneath his safety glasses and entered his left eye. His eye was irrigated in the shaft. 1-hour later it was washed out again, and 2-hours later washed out a third time. At 11:00AM he was taken to hospital and it was washed out again. The doctor gave him a prescription for eye drops.

January 17, 2008 UT · Metal/Non-Metal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Kennecott Utah Copper LLC · Fall to the walkway or working surface

Injured slipped on ice in yard area fracturing fibula of left leg. Sub-freezing temperature, recent snow and ice.

2007 · 7 incidents

December 28, 2007 UT · Metal/Non-Metal HOISTING
Kennecott Utah Copper LLC · Accident type, without injuries

The Crane/Hoist went down with 3-miners in shaft. During diagnostic check it was noted that a fuse had blown. Two After Market Horns had been connected to this circuit prior to the Crane arriving at site, overloading the fuse. The two After Market horns were removed, fuse replaced, Crane inspected & bucket was run up & down the shaft & was determined to be in good condition.

December 17, 2007 UT · Metal/Non-Metal HOISTING
Kennecott Utah Copper LLC · Accident type, without injuries

At the shift change during the pre-shift inspection the hoist operator noted that while he was lowering the bucket on the surface it appeared that the brakes were intermittently stopping the lowering process. He called for the mechanic and the equipment superintendent, who was not immediately available. The 5-man crew in the shaft was told to stop work and evacuate.

August 29, 2007 UT · Metal/Non-Metal ledgeman/hand, quarry man HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Kennecott Utah Copper LLC · Struck against stationary object

EE was tying Corbel Rebar. As he reached into the Rebar cage he cut his left forearm on a piece of J-Bar. He was wearing hand protection (gloves). He was taken to a clinic & was returned to duty. 2 days later he quit to return to Calif. where he had another job offer & before he left town he visited a Dr. in Salt Lake & had sutures put on the cut. This was not relayed to Atkinson.

July 11, 2007 UT · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Kennecott Utah Copper LLC · Struck against stationary object

Worker had dismounted Cat 950 Front End loader and was placing a chock beneath the rear wheel while placing his hand on fender for support. A metal burr was protruding from the underside of the fender and employee cut finger on burr.

July 5, 2007 UT · Metal/Non-Metal assayer, geologist, metallurgist, engineer, engineer management NONPOWERED HAULAGE
Kennecott Utah Copper LLC · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Moving air compressor with hand truck along with another employee. Lost balance & turned ankle, fracturing it.

April 12, 2007 UT · Metal/Non-Metal rock duster MACHINERY
Kennecott Utah Copper LLC · Struck by falling object

Shotcrete was being applied to the left rib of the North Tunnel following build up of rib application to right side rib and waiting 10-15 minutes. He positioned himself normally 3 feet from right rib, shooting the left rib; the right rib's shotcrete was still wet. A piece of wet shotcrete fell from the rib striking his hard hat and the brim cut his nose.

February 10, 2007 UT · Metal/Non-Metal electrician, lineman HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Kennecott Utah Copper LLC · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

Worker was pounding a ground rod into the ground for electrical distribution grounding. A ground rod slide hammer was being used. Worker lifted the outside sleeve further than anticipated and it became detached. With driving force he pushed down hard to drive the rod - when the two pieces came together it resulted in a laceration of the thumb and outer middle finger.

2006 · 1 incident

November 7, 2006 UT · Metal/Non-Metal clerk, timekeeper, office worker, director of sales HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Kennecott Utah Copper LLC · Struck against stationary object

Employee used a hand held apple corer to slice an apple for lunch. While cleaning the apple corer, employee's finger struck against a blade resulting in a laceration requiring sutures.