Mining Incidents

Alden Resources Harps Creek Coal

Controlled by Ferroglobe PLC
Siler, Whitley County, KY  ·  Active
MSHA Mine ID: 1518466

Alden Resources Harps Creek has $307K in proposed MSHA penalties and $41K outstanding across 32 contested dockets, plus health sampling and the full incident record.

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Fatalities
0
Total incidents
25
Years on record
2002–2023
Latest incident
Jul 2023
Compliance record
MSHA citations since 2002
1,803
citations
441
significant & substantial
$307,162
proposed penalties
$252,665
paid to date
82% of proposed penalties paid to date, a $54,497 gap.
Source: MSHA violations data, updated weekly.
Inspection activity
MSHA inspections since 2001
215
inspections on record
20,847
inspection hours
8.6
citations per 100 inspection hours
This rate is recorded citations divided by MSHA inspection hours, per 100 hours. It reflects inspection effort, not mine size or production.
1,803 citations across 20,847 inspection hours.
Source: MSHA inspections data, updated weekly.

Alden Resources Harps Creek has $307K in proposed MSHA penalties and $41K outstanding across 32 contested dockets.

Penalty disposition
Differences between proposed and paid penalties reflect both settlements and conference reductions and amounts still owed. Outstanding is the balance currently owed.
$307K
proposed penalties
$294K
current assessed
$253K
paid to date
$41K
outstanding
1,749 assessments are final orders; 32 contested dockets.
As of the most recent assessment on 2026-05-06.
Source: MSHA assessed-violations and conference/litigation data, updated weekly.

MSHA sampling at Alden Resources Harps Creek shows respirable coal dust averaging 0.40 mg/m3 (99% compliant) across 3,340 samples.

Health sampling
A sample is a point in time compliance measurement, not an individual exposure history. These figures describe MSHA sampling records and do not establish causation or personal dose.
Respirable coal dust
Respirable coal dust and silica figures cover coal facilities. Dust compliance is measured against the current 1.5 mg/m3 standard; samples predating the 2014 standard are included, so compliance rates are a coarse historical signal.
0.40
dust avg (mg/m3)
3.27
dust max (mg/m3)
99%
within 1.5 mg/m3
3,340
samples
Most recent sample: 2026-06-15.
Silica (quartz)
5.4
silica avg (%)
20.2
silica max (%)
231
samples
Most recent sample: 2026-04-30.
Noise
9%
over PEL
476
samples
Most recent sample: 2026-04-28.
Source: MSHA respirable dust, quartz, and noise sampling records, updated weekly.
Quarterly safety rates
Citations per million reported employee-hours. Rates begin in 2000, when MSHA's quarterly employment data starts; earlier incidents are counted but cannot be rate-adjusted. Quarters under 100,000 reported hours are greyed: too few hours for a stable rate.
Citations per million employee-hours, as reported to MSHA
Quarter Hours worked Citations S&S Per 1M hrs
2025 Q4 11,911 13 3 1091.4
2025 Q3 14,181 20 3 1410.3
2025 Q2 14,377 21 0 1460.7
2025 Q1 13,938 17 4 1219.7
2024 Q4 13,305 23 7 1728.7
2024 Q3 4,703 3 1 637.9
2024 Q2 0 3 0
2024 Q1 0 8 0
Show 88 earlier quarters
Quarter Hours worked Citations S&S Per 1M hrs
2023 Q4 553 20 4 36166.4
2023 Q3 16,377 11 0 671.7
2023 Q2 8,564 41 1 4787.5
2023 Q1 7,391 29 7 3923.7
2022 Q4 7,645 22 7 2877.7
2022 Q3 6,885 21 3 3050.1
2022 Q2 3,715 18 4 4845.2
2022 Q1 1,483 7 1 4720.2
2021 Q4 115 4 0 34782.6
2021 Q3 1,064 3 0 2819.5
2021 Q2 1,221 8 3 6552.0
2021 Q1 1,079 6 1 5560.7
2020 Q4 1,009 1 0 991.1
2020 Q3 945 6 1 6349.2
2020 Q2 1,256 1 0 796.2
2020 Q1 1,541 2 0 1297.9
2019 Q4 0 1 0
2019 Q3 2,526 4 0 1583.5
2019 Q2 2,855 2 0 700.5
2018 Q4 3,756 4 0 1065.0
2018 Q3 4,485 38 13 8472.7
2018 Q2 10,378 58 19 5588.7
2018 Q1 12,806 70 10 5466.2
2017 Q4 11,657 50 6 4289.3
2017 Q3 9,681 35 5 3615.3
2017 Q2 12,322 37 6 3002.8
2017 Q1 11,805 30 6 2541.3
2016 Q4 11,517 31 8 2691.7
2016 Q3 11,205 42 16 3748.3
2016 Q2 12,365 48 15 3881.9
2016 Q1 11,850 64 7 5400.8
2015 Q4 11,508 38 2 3302.1
2015 Q3 12,133 15 3 1236.3
2015 Q2 12,689 10 2 788.1
2015 Q1 11,851 23 3 1940.8
2014 Q4 13,858 29 5 2092.7
2014 Q3 13,280 18 5 1355.4
2014 Q2 14,139 26 10 1838.9
2014 Q1 13,353 31 5 2321.6
2013 Q4 13,455 22 2 1635.1
2013 Q3 13,116 25 6 1906.1
2013 Q2 14,573 27 5 1852.7
2013 Q1 14,195 27 5 1902.1
2012 Q4 14,166 16 5 1129.5
2012 Q3 12,542 26 5 2073.0
2012 Q2 13,157 21 13 1596.1
2012 Q1 12,945 8 3 618.0
2011 Q4 12,513 32 14 2557.3
2011 Q3 13,310 55 18 4132.2
2011 Q2 12,820 39 12 3042.1
2011 Q1 11,614 19 2 1636.0
2010 Q4 12,341 15 9 1215.5
2010 Q3 11,236 21 13 1869.0
2010 Q2 11,550 15 3 1298.7
2010 Q1 11,051 12 1 1085.9
2009 Q4 11,250 9 4 800.0
2009 Q3 11,969 10 3 835.5
2009 Q2 12,220 12 4 982.0
2009 Q1 12,819 19 7 1482.2
2008 Q4 11,931 21 5 1760.1
2008 Q3 11,525 10 5 867.7
2008 Q2 15,033 6 1 399.1
2008 Q1 13,301 20 2 1503.6
2007 Q4 13,088 16 5 1222.5
2007 Q3 12,396 16 3 1290.7
2007 Q2 12,531 17 5 1356.6
2007 Q1 12,250 16 4 1306.1
2006 Q4 11,597 21 14 1810.8
2006 Q3 12,001 8 2 666.6
2006 Q2 12,282 9 2 732.8
2006 Q1 12,544 17 7 1355.2
2005 Q4 12,238 3 0 245.1
2005 Q3 13,313 9 1 676.0
2005 Q2 11,918 4 0 335.6
2005 Q1 11,752 12 6 1021.1
2004 Q4 14,729 16 11 1086.3
2004 Q3 13,179 8 2 607.0
2004 Q2 14,484 10 3 690.4
2004 Q1 14,598 4 0 274.0
2003 Q4 13,848 4 2 288.9
2003 Q3 14,469 11 3 760.2
2003 Q2 14,676 10 4 681.4
2003 Q1 4,067 11 4 2704.7
2002 Q4 6,142 10 3 1628.1
2002 Q3 4,981 10 5 2007.6
2002 Q2 4,734 19 6 4013.5
2002 Q1 7,302 7 1 958.6
2001 Q4 8,219 0 0 0.0
No fatalities recorded at this mine.

Reportable incidents

25 on file

2023 · 2 incidents

July 21, 2023 KY · Coal superintendent SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Ferroglobe USA Mining, LLC · Fall to the walkway or working surface

The employee had just put a mantrip (buggy) on charge and had taken the cushion into the building for storage and when the EE exited the building EE stated that EE tripped over some cable and fell on shoulder and face. EE stated that EE's neck and shoulder were hurting and chose to drive self to the hospital ER.

March 9, 2023 KY · Coal roof bolter, rock bolter, pinner, mobile roof support operator (mrs) FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Ferroglobe USA Mining, LLC · Struck by falling object

A miner was bolting when a piece of draw rock fell between the bolts and the rib hitting EE in the back and knocking EE into the controls. EE was taken to the ER where EE was x-rayed. No broken bones were found. EE later went to a PA that diagnosed EE with a "closed fracture of the twelfth thoracic vertebra". They put EE on "restricted duty".

2022 · 2 incidents

September 20, 2022 KY · Coal outside foreman, leadman HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Ferroglobe USA Mining, LLC · Struck by flying object

Employee was assisting in aligning the section belt when the tailpiece broke loose from it's anchor and struck them on the left thigh. EE worked the remainder of the shift and worked the next day. EE work part of the shift of the 22nd but went to clinic who didn't find any injuries. EE went to their family doctor on the 26th and was placed on restricted duty.

February 25, 2022 KY · Coal section foreman, bullgang foreman, labor foreman, leadman, shift boss HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Ferroglobe USA Mining, LLC · Over-exertion in lifting objects

Employee was helping to set the tailpiece and was lifting a stiff jack against the mine roof when EE felt the right bicep tear. EE tried to continue working but was in too much pain and had to come out of the mine. EE went to the emergency room and was treated and was referred to a orthopedic specialist. EE came back to work the next day.

2017 · 1 incident

September 21, 2017 KY · Coal master mechanic, foreman, supervisor POWERED HAULAGE
Maverick Construction Inc · Struck by powered moving object

Employee's arm was mashed between scoop bucket and bridge. No broken bones or open wounds. Employee is taking physical therapy to the hand and arm to remove stiffness and regain movement.

2016 · 1 incident

February 16, 2016 KY · Coal bull gang foreman, labor foreman, leadman, section foreman, shift boss HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
F-M Coal Corp · Over-exertion in wielding or throwing objects

Employee was putting belt clamps on and driving veggie in clamp and hit thumb with hammer.

2015 · 2 incidents

December 19, 2015 KY · Coal scoop tram operator, load/haul/dump operator POWERED HAULAGE
F-M Coal Corp · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was pulling scoop outside when a chain came loose and struck him in mouth. Employee had to have stitches in his lip.

April 27, 2015 KY · Coal roof bolter, rock bolter, pinner, mobile roof support operator (mrs) FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
F-M Coal Corp · Struck by falling object

A kill a bob about 12" round 3" thick fell from roof and hit employee on shoulder bruising shoulder.

2014 · 1 incident

March 14, 2014 KY · Coal FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
F-M Coal Corp · Accident type, without injuries

The fall looked like a hores back. Was 20' wide, 30' long, 12' high. It was 3000 ft from outside in right return.

2013 · 2 incidents

July 16, 2013 KY · Coal continuous miner operator, coal mole operator HANDLING OF MATERIALS
F-M Coal Corp · Over-exertion in pulling or pushing objects

Employee was pulling remote for miner and strained his back.

May 28, 2013 KY · Coal superintendent HANDLING OF MATERIALS
F-M Coal Corp · Struck against stationary object

Was loading seal pumper and door came open. Hit employees finger against scoop bucket.

2011 · 5 incidents

December 23, 2011 KY · Coal roof bolter, rock bolter, pinner, mobile roof support operator (mrs) FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
F-M Coal Corp · Struck by falling object

Employee was roof bolting when a piece of rock struck him on the shoulder. The rock was 12" wide 36" long and 2" thick

September 24, 2011 KY · Coal continuous miner operator, coal mole operator HANDLING OF MATERIALS
F-M Coal Corp · Over-exertion in lifting objects

EE was lifting belt while making a belt move. He lifted the belt and turned and pulled a muscle in his back.

June 23, 2011 KY · Coal FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
F-M Coal Corp · Accident type, without injuries

Foreman was doing his weekly return exam and found a roof fall. 160 X 20 X 5 in the 4th panel of 001 section. This panel was stopped 3/10/08. This is about 3200 #7 from 001 section. The fall was cribbed and timbered and dangered off. MSHA was with foreman at this time.

June 16, 2011 KY · Coal FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
F-M Coal Corp · Accident type, without injuries

Foreman was doing his weekly exam out by returns and found a roof fall 150' X 20' X5' long. He dangered off the area and timbered it off. This area is an old panel, 2800' from the working section.

May 18, 2011 KY · Coal bull gang foreman, labor foreman, leadman, section foreman, shift boss FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
F-M Coal Corp · Struck by falling object

A piece of rock 12" X 12" fell and hit EE's arm on buggy.

2009 · 1 incident

August 11, 2009 KY · Coal roof bolter, rock bolter, pinner, mobile roof support operator (mrs) MACHINERY
F-M Coal Corp · Caught in, under or between (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Installing belt hangers and his glove got caught in the bit wrench and twisted his left hand. Broke his little finger on left hand.

2008 · 1 incident

October 8, 2008 KY · Coal discontinued 1/31/2014. several other codes cover scoop car operator POWERED HAULAGE
F-M Coal Corp · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

Employee was caught between crawler and tailpiece. Mashed hip.

2007 · 3 incidents

November 12, 2007 KY · Coal FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
F-M Coal Corp · Accident type, without injuries

Foreman found a fall 2000' outby section, it was a intersection on the intake. was cribbed up and danger off. We can go around this. Its about 2' x 25'.

November 10, 2007 KY · Coal FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
F-M Coal Corp · Accident type, without injuries

Foreman doing his preshift found a roof fall in last intersection in belt line fall was about 30x30 intersections was cribs up and danger off.

April 6, 2007 KY · Coal assistant mine foreman, assistant mine manager POWERED HAULAGE
F-M Coal Corp · Struck against a moving object

EE was leaving job site after finishing shift at 5:15pm in his car. He looked away and struck a parked piece of mine equipment with his car. EE broke his nose and 2 stitches on nose.

2006 · 2 incidents

August 19, 2006 KY · Coal FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
F-M Coal Corp · Accident type, without injuries

The #1 entry, last open break intersection. Roof fall approximately 20' wide, 25' long. Was cribbed up and dangered off and called MSHA.

January 3, 2006 KY · Coal discontinued 1/31/2014. several other codes cover scoop car operator POWERED HAULAGE
F-M Coal Corp · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

The employee moving scoop had his arm hanging outside operator's deck and caught it between two scoops. He cut his forearm and had stitches. He has not missed any work.

2003 · 1 incident

August 1, 2003 KY · Coal FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
F-M Coal Corp · Accident type, without injuries

THE ROOF FALL WAS FOUND WHEN FOREMAN WAS DOING HIS WEEKLY OUTBY CHECKS. THE FALL WAS AN INTERSECTION ABOUT 1000 FT UNDERGROUND. THEY CRIBBED, AND TIMBERED IT. WE CAN GO AROUND THIS.

2002 · 1 incident

August 19, 2002 KY · Coal laborer, bull gang, faceman, parts runner, roustabout, roof trimmer/scaler HANDLING OF MATERIALS
F-M Coal Corp · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

EE KNOCKED PIECE OF METAL OFF ROOF BOLTER & CUT RIGHT LITTLE FINGER. WAS IN PROGRESS OF ANKORING HEADRIVE, SETTING TAILPIECE.

For insurers, brokers, and safety consultants

The full compliance file on Alden Resources Harps Creek

A dated report covering the 26-year penalty trail, line-item violation pattern, contest and docket posture, rate-normalized peer benchmark, and full fatality history. Delivered as a PDF with the underlying data as CSV.