CARLSBAD LAKE PLANT has $52K in proposed MSHA penalties and $1K outstanding across 0 contested dockets, plus health sampling and the full incident record.
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Fatalities
0
Total incidents
31
Years on record
1983–2025
Latest incident
Sep 2025
Compliance record
MSHA citations since 2000
123
citations
21
significant & substantial
$51,679
proposed penalties
$50,335
paid to date
97% of proposed penalties paid to date, a $1,344 gap.
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.
Rate withheld: 911 inspection hours is too few for a stable rate. A minimum of 1,000 inspection hours is required.
Source: MSHA inspections data, updated weekly.
Imminent-danger orders
ⓘA Section 107(a) order removes miners from an area when an inspector finds an imminent danger. Each order is lifted once the condition is corrected, so this counts orders issued, not orders now in effect.
2
Section 107(a) orders
Most recent order: 2026-01-23.
On record since 2013.
Source: MSHA imminent-danger order records, updated weekly.
CARLSBAD LAKE PLANT has $52K in proposed MSHA penalties and $1K outstanding across 0 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.
$52K
proposed penalties
$52K
current assessed
$50K
paid to date
$1K
outstanding
121 assessments are final orders; 0 contested dockets.
As of the most recent assessment on 2026-01-23.
Source: MSHA assessed-violations and conference/litigation data, updated weekly.
Violation severity profile
ⓘShares are computed over citations that carry the MSHA gravity and negligence coding; a small share of records are uncoded.
Source: MSHA violations gravity and negligence coding, updated weekly.
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.
Metal and nonmetal contaminants (personal samples)
ⓘMany samples are screening measurements of substances with no applicable exposure limit; they are counted as samples but excluded from every over-limit figure. Over-limit shares use only limit-tested samples.
Last sampled: 2014-10-15, 11 years ago
13
samples
0
limit-tested
Most sampled contaminants
Respirable dust, <.1mg8
Unlisted Particulate, respirable, <1% Qtz4
Cristobalite, respirable1
Show the individual readings (13)
Date
Contaminant
Concentration
Limit
Conc / limit
Occupation
2014-10-15
Unlisted Particulate, respirable, <1% Qtz
0.08
Front-end Loader Operator
2014-10-15
Respirable dust, <.1mg
0
Front-end Loader Operator
2014-10-15
Cristobalite, respirable
0
Front-end Loader Operator
2003-04-30
Unlisted Particulate, respirable, <1% Qtz
0.2
Truck Driver
2003-04-30
Respirable dust, <.1mg
0
Front-end Loader Operator
2003-04-30
Respirable dust, <.1mg
0
Bulldozer Operator
2003-04-30
Respirable dust, <.1mg
0
Front-end Loader Operator
2003-04-30
Unlisted Particulate, respirable, <1% Qtz
0.13
Front-end Loader Operator
2002-05-08
Respirable dust, <.1mg
0
Front-end Loader Operator
2002-05-08
Respirable dust, <.1mg
0
Front-end Loader Operator
2002-05-08
Respirable dust, <.1mg
0
Front-end Loader Operator
2002-05-08
Respirable dust, <.1mg
0
Front-end Loader Operator
2002-05-08
Unlisted Particulate, respirable, <1% Qtz
0.18
Truck Driver
Source: MSHA respirable dust, quartz, and noise sampling records, updated weekly. Metal/nonmetal contaminant figures come from MSHA's Personal Health Samples and Area Samples files (public record), updated weekly.
CARLSBAD LAKE PLANT recorded 7.43 reportable injury cases per 100 full-time workers in 2025.
Injury rate, 2025
ⓘThis rate is reportable injury cases per 100 full-time-equivalent workers per year, computed as 200,000 times cases divided by MSHA operator-reported employee-hours. Cases are injuries MSHA graded degree 01 through 07; accident-only events that hurt no one are excluded, and so are contractor injuries, whose hours do not attach to a single mine. Rates begin in 2000, when quarterly employment reporting starts, and are withheld below 20,000 hours in a year.
7.43
total case rate
7.43
days-away rate
0.000
fatality rate
Above average. The US metal and nonmetal mining average was 1.65 and the all-US-mining average was 1.97 cases per 100 workers.
In New Mexico, metal and nonmetal mining averaged 1.71 cases per 100 workers that year.
Under 100,000 employee-hours were reported that year, so a single case moves the rate by two or more. Read the figure as approximate.
Year
total case rate
days-away
fatal
2025 *
7.43
7.43
0.000
2024 *
6.76
6.76
0.000
2023 *
0.00
0.00
0.000
2022 *
6.03
0.00
0.000
2021 *
0.00
0.00
0.000
2020 *
0.00
0.00
0.000
2019 *
5.95
5.95
0.000
2018 *
5.38
5.38
0.000
* Fewer than 100,000 employee-hours that year; the rate is less stable.
Source: injury cases from MSHA accident and injury records; employee-hours from MSHA quarterly employment reports. Rate is cases per 100 full-time-equivalent workers, operator employees only.
Source: MSHA controller and operator history, updated weekly.
Workforce and production
Year
Employees
2026
13
2025
14
2024
15
2023
17
2022
18
2021
18
2020
19
2019
19
2018
19
2017
19
2016
21
2015
20
2014
21
2013
19
2012
18
2011
16
2010
24
2009
14
2008
14
2007
13
2006
12
2005
12
2004
11
2003
11
2002
11
2001
11
2000
9
Source: MSHA quarterly employment and production, updated weekly.
CARLSBAD LAKE PLANT sits in Eddy County, New Mexico, where the Census mining category is 15.0% of county employment.
Local economic context
ⓘCounty figures come from the US Census Bureau's American Community Survey, 5-year pooled estimates, so the 2023 vintage covers 2019 through 2023. The Census category is 'mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction', which is broader than MSHA jurisdiction and includes oil and gas workers no mine employs. These figures describe the surrounding county, not this mine, and are not a factor in any specific incident.
Eddy County, New Mexico · Population 61,114
15.0%
Mining share of county employment
$79,605
Median household income
Source: US Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2023 5-year estimates.
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
2026 Q2
6,725
0
0
0.0
2026 Q1
6,389
5
2
782.6
2025 Q4
5,920
0
0
0.0
2025 Q3
7,173
14
3
1951.8
2025 Q2
6,907
0
0
0.0
2025 Q1
6,930
7
1
1010.1
2024 Q4
6,855
0
0
0.0
2024 Q3
7,310
2
0
273.6
Show 98 earlier quartersHide earlier quarters
Quarter
Hours worked
Citations
S&S
Per 1M hrs
2024 Q2
7,872
0
0
0.0
2024 Q1
7,539
4
0
530.6
2023 Q4
7,235
0
0
0.0
2023 Q3
7,556
4
0
529.4
2023 Q2
7,566
2
1
264.3
2023 Q1
7,630
0
0
0.0
2022 Q4
7,611
0
0
0.0
2022 Q3
8,305
1
1
120.4
2022 Q2
8,165
0
0
0.0
2022 Q1
9,110
7
0
768.4
2021 Q4
7,384
0
0
0.0
2021 Q3
7,918
3
0
378.9
2021 Q2
8,514
0
0
0.0
2021 Q1
8,674
0
0
0.0
2020 Q4
8,530
0
0
0.0
2020 Q3
8,716
0
0
0.0
2020 Q2
8,385
1
0
119.3
2020 Q1
8,720
0
0
0.0
2019 Q4
8,481
1
0
117.9
2019 Q3
8,385
0
0
0.0
2019 Q2
8,260
2
0
242.1
2019 Q1
8,461
0
0
0.0
2018 Q4
8,133
3
0
368.9
2018 Q3
9,755
0
0
0.0
2018 Q2
10,510
4
0
380.6
2018 Q1
8,778
0
0
0.0
2017 Q4
8,289
5
0
603.2
2017 Q3
9,154
0
0
0.0
2017 Q2
9,307
6
1
644.7
2017 Q1
9,492
0
0
0.0
2016 Q4
9,389
3
0
319.5
2016 Q3
10,528
0
0
0.0
2016 Q2
12,038
6
3
498.4
2016 Q1
12,285
0
0
0.0
2015 Q4
11,559
8
3
692.1
2015 Q3
11,807
0
0
0.0
2015 Q2
9,646
2
1
207.3
2015 Q1
9,646
0
0
0.0
2014 Q4
10,253
2
0
195.1
2014 Q3
10,667
2
1
187.5
2014 Q2
12,819
0
0
0.0
2014 Q1
11,457
1
0
87.3
2013 Q4
8,692
0
0
0.0
2013 Q3
9,491
5
1
526.8
2013 Q2
8,986
0
0
0.0
2013 Q1
11,000
0
0
0.0
2012 Q4
9,836
1
0
101.7
2012 Q3
9,950
0
0
0.0
2012 Q2
9,801
2
0
204.1
2012 Q1
7,943
2
0
251.8
2011 Q4
7,947
0
0
0.0
2011 Q3
9,804
4
1
408.0
2011 Q2
8,969
0
0
0.0
2011 Q1
7,300
1
0
137.0
2010 Q4
7,714
0
0
0.0
2010 Q3
27,802
0
0
0.0
2010 Q2
8,405
3
2
356.9
2010 Q1
6,940
0
0
0.0
2009 Q4
7,471
3
0
401.6
2009 Q3
6,958
0
0
0.0
2009 Q2
7,238
0
0
0.0
2009 Q1
7,072
1
0
141.4
2008 Q4
8,605
0
0
0.0
2008 Q3
7,985
0
0
0.0
2008 Q2
8,769
0
0
0.0
2008 Q1
7,236
0
0
0.0
2007 Q4
8,703
0
0
0.0
2007 Q3
7,892
0
0
0.0
2007 Q2
8,199
0
0
0.0
2007 Q1
7,235
0
0
0.0
2006 Q4
8,763
0
0
0.0
2006 Q3
8,581
0
0
0.0
2006 Q2
6,991
0
0
0.0
2006 Q1
7,155
0
0
0.0
2005 Q4
8,739
0
0
0.0
2005 Q3
7,890
0
0
0.0
2005 Q2
6,047
0
0
0.0
2005 Q1
7,208
0
0
0.0
2004 Q4
6,365
0
0
0.0
2004 Q3
7,079
0
0
0.0
2004 Q2
6,237
0
0
0.0
2004 Q1
7,420
0
0
0.0
2003 Q4
6,825
0
0
0.0
2003 Q3
8,673
0
0
0.0
2003 Q2
7,119
1
0
140.5
2003 Q1
7,341
0
0
0.0
2002 Q4
6,809
1
0
146.9
2002 Q3
8,898
0
0
0.0
2002 Q2
6,636
2
0
301.4
2002 Q1
7,472
0
0
0.0
2001 Q4
8,343
1
0
119.9
2001 Q3
9,094
0
0
0.0
2001 Q2
8,615
0
0
0.0
2001 Q1
7,381
0
0
0.0
2000 Q4
5,845
0
0
0.0
2000 Q3
6,038
1
0
165.6
2000 Q2
6,766
0
0
0.0
2000 Q1
7,573
0
0
0.0
No fatalities recorded at this mine.
Reportable incidents
31 on file
2025 · 1 incident
September 3, 2025NM · Metal/Non-Metalwarehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operatorHANDLING OF MATERIALS
Employee was performing housekeeping, when they picked up a cardboard box with parts from the floor. The box weighed approx. 35 lbs., employee complaint of lower back pain. Employee was taken to the ER for an evaluation and was diagnosed with a lower back strain.
2024 · 1 incident
July 18, 2024NM · Metal/Non-Metalfront-end loader, scraper-loader operator, pan operator, payloader, scraper rig operatorSLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
On 07/18/2024 at 7:30 am, operator was standing on the loader side step checking the oil level. When they opened the door, they lost balance and fell back and landed on the ground standing.*Did not become a reportable until 08/12/2024, the operator wanted medical attention.
2022 · 1 incident
January 11, 2022NM · Metal/Non-Metalgreaser, grease man, oiler, lube man, dragline oilerHANDLING OF MATERIALS
Employee was lifting an acetylene bottle into the back of a pickup when EE felt pain in left shoulder. EE was taken to the clinic for a medical examination. EE was released for restricted duty on 01/11/2022.
2019 · 1 incident
May 16, 2019NM · Metal/Non-Metalmaintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service techSLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Employee worked normal job on May 16, 2019. Everything seemed normal that day. Employee went home at 3:00 PM. At 8:37 PM employee called supervisor stating that employee is in the hospital with broken left hip. See Exhibit A.
2018 · 1 incident
September 25, 2018NM · Metal/Non-Metalfront-end loader, scraper-loader operator, pan operator, payloader, scraper rig operatorHANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Employee was unplugging chute felt pain & numbness on right hand little finger & ring finger reported to supervisor. Went home at 3:00 regular quitting time. Went to ER at 7:00pm Dr. sent ee to hospital
2017 · 1 incident
October 3, 2017NM · Metal/Non-Metalgreaser, grease man, oiler, lube man, dragline oilerHANDLING OF MATERIALS
Employee was coming down ladder on #2 dozer and got to the bottom step and it swung in, and hyper extended left knee. Employee was taken to E.R. and put on restricted duty.
Employee climbed up #1 992 loader to check pin on lift cylinder. He was squatting down trying to see the pin on the lift cylinder. As he raised and turned he hit his head on the mirror bracket, his hardhat and phone wound up on the ground. He had a laceration on left forehead that required 10 stiches at ER.
November 4, 2015NM · Metal/Non-Metalfront-end loader, scraper-loader operator, pan operator, payloader, scraper rig operatorSLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Employee climbed up on a three and half foot high concrete slab and was cleaning salt off a conveyor belt, when he got through he jumped off the slab and twisted his right knee. On 2/10/2016 employee received a cortisone shot for Pain.
2011 · 1 incident
December 5, 2011NM · Metal/Non-Metalfront-end loader, scraper-loader operator, pan operator, payloader, scraper rig operatorSLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Employee slip and fell running down a slope, going to turn the screening plant off. Fell on left leg and felt a pop on left knee. On 04/25/2016 employee received a Cortisone shot for pain.
2010 · 1 incident
October 20, 2010NM · Metal/Non-Metalgreaser, grease man, oiler, lube man, dragline oilerHANDLING OF MATERIALS
EE WAS LOOSENING AN BOLT ON A 25 MPH SPEED LIMIT SIGN, WHEN BOLT BROKE AND SOCKET WRENCH HIT HIM IN THE MOUTH.
April 24, 2002NM · Metal/Non-Metalmaintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service techSLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
EE WAS CHG OIL ON FREST BRINE PUMP. HE STATED HE WAS STANDING ON A SMALL PILE OF SALT THAT GAVE AWAY. HE FELL AND TWISTED HIS LEFT KNEE. EE IS ON MODIFIED DUTY.
1998 · 1 incident
June 10, 1998NM · Metal/Non-Metalfront-end loader, scraper-loader operator, pan operator, payloader, scraper rig operatorHANDLING OF MATERIALS
EE CLIMBED IN LOADER PUT HIS RIGHT HAND ON TOP BACK SEAT AND PUSHED DOWN, AND THE SEAT WENT BACK AGAINST THE BACK OF LOADER AND CAME UP ON A PIECE OF ANGLE IRON, CUTTING THE EE RIGHT LITTLE FI NGER.
EMPLLOYEE WAS PICKING UP BROOM TO START CLEANIGN UP AND HE LET THE HANDLE OF THE BROOM SLIP THROUGH HIS HAND. A SPLINTER FROM THE BROKEN BROOM HANDLE STUCK HIM IN HIS LEFT MIDDLE FINGER.
1992 · 1 incident
October 22, 1992NM · Metal/Non-Metalbarge/boat/dredge/towbarge/towboat/leach operator, riverman, deck handSLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
EE DROVE TRUCK OFF ROAD TO TAKE A SHORT CUT TRUCK FELL THRU SOFT SALT SEAT BELT HURT HIS STOMACH. HE STOPPED TO CHECK AND FELL OUT OF THE TRUCK ON THE HARD SALT.
1990 · 2 incidents
November 10, 1990NM · Metal/Non-Metalfront-end loader, scraper-loader operator, pan operator, payloader, scraper rig operatorHANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
April 26, 1989NM · Metal/Non-Metalmaintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service techHANDLING OF MATERIALS
EMP WA> ATTMPTING TO FREE BELT CLEANER LEVER FORM A CABLE IT CAME LOOSE AND STRUCK HIM ON LEG EMP RE SMALL PUNCTURE WOUND AND WAS PRESCRIBED AN ANTIBIOTIC
June 20, 1988NM · Metal/Non-Metalmaintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service techHANDLING OF MATERIALS
September 14, 1987NM · Metal/Non-Metalmaintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service techSLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
RADIATOR BEING 3NSTALLED SLIPPED HIT EMPL ON SIDE OF HEAD.
1986 · 1 incident
February 18, 1986NM · Metal/Non-Metalmaintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service techHANDLING OF MATERIALS
EMPL INSPECTING GEAR BOX MAKING NOISE AND VIBRATING.GUARD HAD FALLEN OFF DURING SHIFT AND EMPL WALKED TOO CLOSE TO FAN ON GEAR BOX AND FAN STRUCK RIGHT THIGH.SUFFERED BRUISED THIGH WHICH BECAM E INFECTED.
1983 · 1 incident
December 23, 1983NM · Metal/Non-Metalcar dropper, car shake out operatorPOWERED HAULAGE
EMPLOYEE WENT UP A STATIONARY BELT CONVEYOR TO GREASE THE HEAD PULLEY. THE BELT STARTED AND THREW HIM OFF OVER THE CHUTE AND ONTO A SPIRAL SAOLT CLASSIFIER, THAT WAS RUNNING SUFFERED A SEVEREL Y LACERATED DELTOID MUSCLE OF HIS RIGHT ARM, BRUISES AND ABRASIONS ON HIS CHEST AND ARMS AND LEGS.