Mining Incidents

Aurora Metal/Non-Metal

Controlled by Hecla Mining Company
Hawthorne, Mineral County, NV  ·  Abandoned
MSHA Mine ID: 2602235

Aurora has $34K in proposed MSHA penalties and $663 outstanding across 3 contested dockets, plus health sampling and the full incident record.

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Fatalities
0
Total incidents
40
Years on record
1993–2023
Latest incident
Jul 2023
Compliance record
MSHA citations since 2002
137
citations
51
significant & substantial
$33,797
proposed penalties
$32,954
paid to date
98% of proposed penalties paid to date, a $843 gap.
Source: MSHA violations data, updated weekly.
Inspection activity
MSHA inspections since 2002
41
inspections on record
1,181
inspection hours
11.6
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.
137 citations across 1,181 inspection hours.
Source: MSHA inspections data, updated weekly.

Aurora has $34K in proposed MSHA penalties and $663 outstanding across 3 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.
$34K
proposed penalties
$34K
current assessed
$33K
paid to date
$663
outstanding
134 assessments are final orders; 3 contested dockets.
As of the most recent assessment on 2019-07-14.
Source: MSHA assessed-violations and conference/litigation data, 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
2023 Q3 0 0 0
2023 Q2 0 0 0
2023 Q1 0 0 0
2022 Q4 0 0 0
2022 Q3 0 0 0
2022 Q1 0 0 0
2021 Q4 0 0 0
2021 Q2 0 0 0
Show 50 earlier quarters
Quarter Hours worked Citations S&S Per 1M hrs
2021 Q1 460 0 0 0.0
2020 Q4 726 0 0 0.0
2020 Q3 1,680 0 0 0.0
2020 Q2 1,680 0 0 0.0
2020 Q1 1,680 0 0 0.0
2019 Q4 5,320 0 0 0.0
2019 Q3 5,329 3 0 563.0
2019 Q2 5,022 0 0 0.0
2019 Q1 5,545 2 1 360.7
2018 Q4 6,759 0 0 0.0
2018 Q3 6,585 3 0 455.6
2018 Q2 5,876 0 0 0.0
2018 Q1 6,586 0 0 0.0
2017 Q4 7,452 4 1 536.8
2017 Q3 7,105 0 0 0.0
2017 Q2 4,662 4 0 858.0
2017 Q1 3,639 1 0 274.8
2016 Q4 2,663 0 0 0.0
2013 Q3 13,171 2 1 151.8
2013 Q2 15,423 0 0 0.0
2013 Q1 18,047 5 1 277.1
2012 Q4 18,197 0 0 0.0
2012 Q3 20,604 0 0 0.0
2012 Q2 20,064 4 2 199.4
2012 Q1 18,979 0 0 0.0
2011 Q4 17,057 2 1 117.3
2011 Q3 18,960 0 0 0.0
2011 Q2 19,324 1 1 51.7
2011 Q1 18,960 1 1 52.7
2010 Q4 16,408 5 3 304.7
2010 Q3 16,117 0 0 0.0
2010 Q2 26,150 9 8 344.2
2010 Q1 12,246 11 4 898.3
2009 Q4 11,957 1 0 83.6
2009 Q3 6,195 13 2 2098.5
2009 Q2 8,846 0 0 0.0
2009 Q1 433 2 0 4618.9
2005 Q4 1,120 0 0 0.0
2005 Q3 960 0 0 0.0
2005 Q2 1,591 3 0 1885.6
2005 Q1 1,979 0 0 0.0
2004 Q4 8,667 1 0 115.4
2004 Q3 70,861 4 0 56.4
2004 Q2 77,344 24 15 310.3
2004 Q1 55,112 5 0 90.7
2003 Q4 32,226 5 1 155.2
2003 Q3 16,684 2 1 119.9
2003 Q2 25,098 0 0 0.0
2003 Q1 15,807 9 3 569.4
2002 Q4 9,372 11 5 1173.7
No fatalities recorded at this mine.

Reportable incidents

40 on file

2023 · 1 incident

July 13, 2023 NV · Metal/Non-Metal assayer, geologist, metallurgist, engineer, engineer management POWERED HAULAGE
Klondex Aurora Mine Inc · Struck against stationary object

Employee was operating a side by side utility vehicle when it tipped onto its side. While unbuckling EE's seatbelt the operator hit EE's head on the windshield causing injury to EE's head and face.

2019 · 1 incident

August 29, 2019 NV · Metal/Non-Metal miner, prospector, nec EXPLODING VESSELS UNDER PRESSURE
Klondex Aurora Mine Inc · Struck by flying object

Employee was attempting to start a thermal fluid heater. After multiple attempts the thermal fluid heater fired causing the control panel to fly open hitting the operator in the face causing a hairline fracture to the nose and five stitches.

2018 · 1 incident

February 25, 2018 NV · Metal/Non-Metal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Klondex Aurora Mine Inc · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

After receiving the C-4 on 3/13/18 and completing an investigation it was revealed that the employee was throwing pipe down a shoot when one of the pieces of pipe got lodged on a hard spot and the force sent a shock up the employee's arm causing the strain

2017 · 1 incident

January 12, 2017 NV · Metal/Non-Metal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Klondex Aurora Mine Inc · Fall to the walkway or working surface

After receiving medical paperwork on 1/24/17 it was found that employee slipped and fell due to ice on the ground causing a contusion and pain in low back.

2012 · 8 incidents

October 26, 2012 NV · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Antler Peak Gold Inc · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

Employee was cleaning the chiller in the refinery. The automatic fan kicked on while his hand was inside chiller, cutting his right index finger.

October 1, 2012 NV · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Antler Peak Gold Inc · Contact with hot objects or substances

Employee was in the process of cooling the strip vessel at the Barron pump. He connected a water line to the system, seeing no drain water coming from the system he disconnected the coupling this cause solution to spray on him. The employee was burned on the face and chest.

September 19, 2012 NV · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator OTHER
Antler Peak Gold Inc · Absorption of radiations, caustics, toxic and noxious substances

Employee was working in the refinery getting ready to pour as he was putting on his fire resistance jacket he felt a sting on his right forearm. 5 days later he noticed swelling on his right arm & went to the doctor in which it turned out spider bite

September 2, 2012 NV · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Antler Peak Gold Inc · Over-exertion in lifting objects

Lifting a pipe, strained lower back.

May 17, 2012 NV · Metal/Non-Metal ELECTRICAL
Antler Peak Gold Inc · Accident type, without injuries

The employee was positioning the boom truck to lift a pump. While he was lowering the boom the wire rope cable came in contact with the 25,000 volt power line. The employee was not injured however the boom truck received damage to four of its ten tires.

April 3, 2012 NV · Metal/Non-Metal pumper NONPOWERED HAULAGE
Antler Peak Gold Inc · Over-exertion in pulling or pushing objects

Pulling and pushing pallet jack with loads of carbon bags caused pulled muscle in groin.

February 7, 2012 NV · Metal/Non-Metal prep plant foreman, supervisor, mill plant supervisor, kiln supervisor HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Antler Peak Gold Inc · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

At 9:30 Pm employee hurt his left shoulder walking down a staircase to the ground floor of the mill. When reaching the bottom of the staircase employee planted his left hand firmly pivoting to the right at the same time causing a twisting injury to his left shoulder. Employee was transported to the hospital, and returned back to light duty the same day.

January 2, 2012 NV · Metal/Non-Metal prep plant foreman, supervisor, mill plant supervisor, kiln supervisor HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Antler Peak Gold Inc · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE was stepping up onto the bed of the boom truck from the operating control deck. EE applied pressure to his right leg to push himself up on to the bed. He felt something in his right knee pop. No first aid had to be performed, EE was transported to Hawthorn Nev. medical center for further observation. The injury resulted in twisting to the right knee.

2011 · 3 incidents

June 9, 2011 NV · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Antler Peak Gold Inc · Fall from scaffolds, walkways, platforms

A mechanic, who was on the work platform at the SAG mill, leaned out against the removable handrail to reach an air duct hose when the handrail came off the mounting brackets and him and the handrail fell to the mill floor. Fall was 6 feet 7 inches from platform. Mechanic landed on his feet, receiving multiple fractures to his heel bone on his right foot.

February 25, 2011 NV · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Antler Peak Gold Inc · Fall to the walkway or working surface

Employee was walking from the mill towards the office buildings, when he slipped and fell to the ground. The ground was frozen, and had a light coating of snow that had just started to occur. The employee was transported to the hospital. X-rays were taken - negative. Severe sprain to right ankle. Employee was placed on restricted duty, which constitutes this report.

February 8, 2011 NV · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator MACHINERY
Antler Peak Gold Inc · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was using an air lance to break up frozen material that was accumulating on the feed side of the crusher. Employee heard a pop and then felt pain in his right wrist. Employee was taken to hospital to be checked out. Employee strained a ligament in his right wrist and was placed on restricted work duty, constituting this report.

2010 · 1 incident

July 19, 2010 NV · Metal/Non-Metal ledgeman/hand, quarry man SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Antler Peak Gold Inc · Fall onto or against objects

Mill operator tripped over a bolt that stuck up out of the floor. He contacted the bolt as he lifted his foot at the beginning of his stride. The contact caused him to stumble and fall into a pump on the mill floor, resulting in a fractured index finger.

2009 · 3 incidents

December 3, 2009 NV · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Antler Peak Gold Inc · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Pry bar was being used to pry liners loose inside the sag mill.

October 16, 2009 NV · Metal/Non-Metal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Antler Peak Gold Inc · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee using mill bar, bar slipped and hit employee in face.

June 20, 2009 NV · Metal/Non-Metal security guard, watchman SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Antler Peak Gold Inc · Fall to the walkway or working surface

Employee was walking around a generator, when he tripped over large rocks. Employee fell to the ground fracturing 2 ribs.

2004 · 10 incidents

April 25, 2004 NV · Metal/Non-Metal laborer, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, roof trimmer/scaler MACHINERY
Metallic Ventures (U.S.), Inc. · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE was bolting with jackleg and machine was over his head as he pulled machine down the air hose came off and he was struck in the right forehead above his eye. He was standing close to the drill for the whipcheck to catch the slack in the hose before it hit him.

April 24, 2004 NV · Metal/Non-Metal laborer, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, roof trimmer/scaler MACHINERY
Metallic Ventures (U.S.), Inc. · Struck by falling object

Employee was drilling a raise round with stoper drill and had drilled all of round except for 3 holes when rock fell out of back striking him in right shin bone. he was taken to hospital and x-rayed and released back to full work status.

April 20, 2004 NV · Metal/Non-Metal ledgeman/hand, quarry man MACHINERY
Metallic Ventures (U.S.), Inc. · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EMPLOYEE WAS BOLTING WITH JACKLEG DRILL AND MACHINE CAME BACK AND HIT HIM ABOVE HIS LEFT EYE CUTTING IT. EMPLOYEE FELL DOWN AND RECEIVED TWO CUTS ON TOP OF HIS HEAD.

March 15, 2004 NV · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Metallic Ventures (U.S.), Inc. · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

EMPLOYEE WAS LIFTING HOOD ON WAGNER 3 YD LOADER AND HOOD FELL STRIKING HIS 3RD FINGER ON RIGHT HAND CUTTING IT. REQUIRED 8 STITCHES.

March 3, 2004 NV · Metal/Non-Metal miner, nec MACHINERY
Metallic Ventures (U.S.), Inc. · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EMPLOYEE WAS DRILLING WITH STOPER GOT ROCK IN EYE. DIDN'T KNOW IT UNTIL NEXT MORNING.

March 1, 2004 NV · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Metallic Ventures (U.S.), Inc. · Fall to the walkway or working surface

EMPLOYEE WAS WALKING ON ICE, SLIPPED AND TWISTED HIS KNEE AND FELL HITTING HIS KNEE.

January 20, 2004 NV · Metal/Non-Metal miner, nec HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Metallic Ventures (U.S.), Inc. · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

MINER WAS LOADING BOLTING SUPPLIES AND TRIPPED TWISTING HIS RIGHT SIDE. STARTED GETTING PAINS IN HIS RIGHT SIDE, CAUSING CHEST WALL STRAIN.

January 16, 2004 NV · Metal/Non-Metal prep plant foreman, supervisor, mill plant supervisor, kiln supervisor HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Metallic Ventures (U.S.), Inc. · Struck by falling object

EMPLOYEE WAS STACKING BY HAND 7' X 4' STEEL SUPPORTS WHEN HIS GRIP SLIPPED AND STEEL SUPPORT SLIPPED STRIKING HIM ON HIS UPPER THIGH BRUISING IT.

2003 · 6 incidents

December 13, 2003 NV · Metal/Non-Metal laborer, bull gang, faceman, parts runner, roustabout, roof trimmer/scaler SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Metallic Ventures (U.S.), Inc. · Fall to the walkway or working surface

LABORER WAS STACKING ROLLS OF CHAINLINK WIRE AT U.G. LAYDOWN, STEPPED BACK AND TRIPPED AND TWISTED HIS BACK.

October 21, 2003 NV · Metal/Non-Metal laborer, bull gang, faceman, parts runner, roustabout, roof trimmer/scaler HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Metallic Ventures (U.S.), Inc. · Over-exertion in lifting objects

EMPLOYEE STATES HE WAS CARRYING A PIECE OF PLYWOOD AND STRAINED HIS NECK.

October 3, 2003 NV · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Metallic Ventures (U.S.), Inc. · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE WAS HOLDING A PIN TO DRIVE A RUSTED OUT BOLT OUT AND HIS C0-WORKER WAS HITTING THE PIN WITH A DOUBLEJACK (16 LB.) AND MISSED THE BOLT AND STRUCK HIS HAND. EE WAS WEARING A HEAVY WELDING GLO VE BUT WAS NOT ENOUGH PROTECTION.

September 1, 2003 NV · Metal/Non-Metal section foreman, bullgang foreman, labor foreman, leadman, shift boss HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Metallic Ventures (U.S.), Inc. · Over-exertion in wielding or throwing objects

LITING A PALLET TO THROW IT OUT OF A PICK UP INTO THE DUMP PULLED MUSCLE IN R ARM.

August 5, 2003 NV · Metal/Non-Metal miner, nec MACHINERY
Metallic Ventures (U.S.), Inc. · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE WAS BOLTING WITH JACKLEG WHEN MACHINE FELL FORWARD AND EE TRIED TO HOLD THE MACHINE FROM FALLING DOWN AND PULLED A GROIN MUSCLE IN DOING SO.

April 11, 2003 NV · Metal/Non-Metal miner, nec MACHINERY
Metallic Ventures (U.S.), Inc. · Struck by falling object

WHILE EE WAS TIGHTENING UP A SPLIT BOLT INTO A MAT A PIECE OF LOOSE CAME DOWN ON HARD HAT, DRIVING HIS GLASSES INTO HIS NOSE AND LIP UPPER.

2002 · 2 incidents

December 15, 2002 NV · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech OTHER
Metallic Ventures (U.S.), Inc. · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE WAS WORKING OUTSIDE IN WINDY & DUSTY CONDITIONS WHEN DIRT & DUST BLEW INTO EE'S FACE & EYES.

1995 · 1 incident

May 18, 1995 NV · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Nevada Goldfields Inc · Struck by flying object

THE MECHANIC WAS INSTALLING A TOOTH ON THE LOADER BUCKET, ANDUSED THE HAMMRER TO ALIGN THE HOLES IN ORDER TO SECURE WITH A PIN. THIS IS A STANDARD PROCEDURE AS TEETH ARE WEAR ITEMS, AND THE M ETAL SHAVING THAT CAME OFF BECAUSE OF HAMEMRING WAS VERY UNUSUAL. THE PIECE OF METAL BROKE LOOSE ON IMPACT OF THE HAMEMR AND LODGED IN HIS UPPER ABDOMEN.

1993 · 2 incidents

December 16, 1993 NV · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator MACHINERY
Nevada Goldfields Inc · Fall from machine

EE JUMPED FROM SCRAPER WHEN IT STARTED TO SLIDE, AND SUSTAINED A COMPRESSION FRACTURE OF THE BACK.

October 26, 1993 NV · Metal/Non-Metal greaser, grease man, oiler, lube man, dragline oiler POWERED HAULAGE
Nevada Goldfields Inc · Fall from machine

OPERATOR LOST CONTROL OF LUBE TRUCK RETURNING TO MILL SITE AT END OF SHIFT. OPERATOR BAILED OUT OF VEHICLE WHEN A WRENCH WAS IMMENENT INJURING HIMSELF WHEN HE LANDED EE RECEIVED LACERATION TO THE HEAD AND A BROKEN HIP AND PELVIS. EQUIPMENT WAS TOTALED.

For insurers, brokers, and safety consultants

The full compliance file on Aurora

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.