Leer South Preparation Plant has $50K in proposed MSHA penalties and $323 outstanding across 4 contested dockets, plus health sampling and the full incident record.
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Fatalities
0
Total incidents
21
Years on record
1999–2022
Latest incident
May 2022
Compliance record
MSHA citations since 2000
221
citations
69
significant & substantial
$50,308
proposed penalties
$48,949
paid to date
97% of proposed penalties paid to date, a $1,359 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.
221 citations across 4,945 inspection hours.
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.
1
Section 107(a) orders
Most recent order: 2011-09-30.
On record since 2011.
Source: MSHA imminent-danger order records, updated weekly.
Leer South Preparation Plant has $50K in proposed MSHA penalties and $323 outstanding across 4 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.
$50K
proposed penalties
$49K
current assessed
$49K
paid to date
$323
outstanding
216 assessments are final orders; 4 contested dockets.
Of $6K in penalties contested before the Commission, $5K was upheld in final decisions.
As of the most recent assessment on 2025-11-19.
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.
When citations were contested
ⓘContesting a citation before the Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission is a lawful right. These figures state the public outcomes of that process, from MSHA's Contested Violations file.
11citations taken to the federal commission · 5% of citations on record
Settled
6 · 55%
Vacated or withdrawn
5 · 45%
50%
S&S designation survived the contest
ⓘCounts a Significant & Substantial citation as surviving when a settlement or judge's decision kept the designation, or the contest was dismissed or defaulted so the citation stands as issued. Vacated and withdrawn citations, and settlements that removed the designation, count against.
of 10 decided S&S contests · industry: 79%
61%
Penalty reduction in decided contests
$14K proposed, $5K after decisions · industry: 39%
Source: MSHA Contested Violations file (public record), updated weekly. A dismissed or defaulted contest leaves the citation standing as issued; a vacated or withdrawn citation is removed from the violation record. Latest contest filed 2013-02-13.
Contested penalties
ⓘA reduction or dismissal at the Commission is a lawful outcome of contesting a proposed penalty. Figures are the proposed amount and the amount upheld in the docket's decision.
Largest penalties this mine contested before the Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission, with the outcome on record.
MSHA sampling at Leer South Preparation Plant shows 100% of 275 respirable coal dust samples met the 1.5 mg/m3 standard.
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.
Last sampled: 2026-06-14
100%
within 1.5 mg/m3
275
samples
1.51
dust max (mg/m3)
0
over MSHA ECV
ⓘThe excessive concentration value (ECV) is MSHA's own per-sample enforcement threshold, which builds in measurement uncertainty; a sample over its ECV can trigger a citation. The count covers only samples MSHA assigned an ECV.
253 samples taken by MSHA inspectors, 22 by the operator.
Noise
ⓘThe share counts noise samples whose measured dose exceeded the 90 dBA permissible exposure limit. It describes the sampled workplace, not what reached the miner's ear: hearing conservation programs and the hearing protection worn during the shift are recorded separately and are not reflected here.
Health sampling trend
ⓘ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 by year
ⓘ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.
Leer South Preparation Plant recorded 0.00 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.
0.00
total case rate
0.00
days-away rate
0.000
fatality rate
No reportable injury cases in any year shown. Employee-hours were reported in each of those years, so these are true zeros rather than missing data. Citations, listed in the compliance record above, are inspector-found violations and are counted separately from worker injuries.
Below average. The US coal mining average was 3.19 and the all-US-mining average was 1.97 cases per 100 workers.
In West Virginia, coal mining averaged 3.89 cases per 100 workers that year.
Year
total case rate
days-away
fatal
2025
0.00
0.00
0.000
2024
0.00
0.00
0.000
2023
0.00
0.00
0.000
2022 *
0.00
0.00
0.000
2021 *
0.00
0.00
0.000
2020 *
0.00
0.00
0.000
2019 *
0.00
0.00
0.000
2018 *
0.00
0.00
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
47
2025
62
2024
58
2023
59
2022
39
2021
35
2020
33
2019
29
2018
25
2017
21
2016
19
2015
22
2014
26
2013
31
2012
33
2011
32
2010
33
2009
34
2008
29
2007
18
2006
11
2005
10
2004
9
2003
9
2002
10
2001
18
2000
17
Source: MSHA quarterly employment and production, updated weekly.
Leer South Preparation Plant sits in Barbour County, West Virginia, where the Census mining category is 6.8% 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.
Barbour County, West Virginia · Population 15,454
6.8%
Mining share of county employment
$48,347
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
28,467
0
0
0.0
2026 Q1
21,240
0
0
0.0
2025 Q4
20,872
1
1
47.9
2025 Q3
27,066
0
0
0.0
2025 Q2
27,714
6
0
216.5
2025 Q1
31,206
0
0
0.0
2024 Q4
32,949
6
0
182.1
2024 Q3
34,724
0
0
0.0
Show 97 earlier quartersHide earlier quarters
Quarter
Hours worked
Citations
S&S
Per 1M hrs
2024 Q2
34,485
3
0
87.0
2024 Q1
35,919
0
0
0.0
2023 Q4
34,072
5
0
146.7
2023 Q3
37,569
0
0
0.0
2023 Q2
34,818
0
0
0.0
2023 Q1
34,092
6
1
176.0
2022 Q4
25,787
0
0
0.0
2022 Q3
24,043
0
0
0.0
2022 Q2
22,587
1
0
44.3
2022 Q1
21,221
1
0
47.1
2021 Q4
20,020
1
1
50.0
2021 Q3
20,610
0
0
0.0
2021 Q2
19,509
5
2
256.3
2021 Q1
19,769
0
0
0.0
2020 Q4
16,441
0
0
0.0
2020 Q3
18,710
0
0
0.0
2020 Q2
20,155
1
1
49.6
2020 Q1
21,444
3
0
139.9
2019 Q4
18,346
0
0
0.0
2019 Q3
17,634
0
0
0.0
2019 Q2
16,810
1
0
59.5
2019 Q1
16,118
1
0
62.0
2018 Q4
13,526
2
1
147.9
2018 Q3
15,006
0
0
0.0
2018 Q2
14,857
5
0
336.5
2018 Q1
13,796
0
0
0.0
2017 Q4
13,549
1
1
73.8
2017 Q3
11,997
0
0
0.0
2017 Q2
12,705
3
0
236.1
2017 Q1
12,315
0
0
0.0
2016 Q4
11,010
3
0
272.5
2016 Q3
11,310
0
0
0.0
2016 Q2
10,301
2
1
194.2
2016 Q1
9,872
3
1
303.9
2015 Q4
8,570
0
0
0.0
2015 Q3
10,387
0
0
0.0
2015 Q2
12,444
4
1
321.4
2015 Q1
14,233
1
1
70.3
2014 Q4
12,906
0
0
0.0
2014 Q3
13,789
5
1
362.6
2014 Q2
14,533
0
0
0.0
2014 Q1
15,078
1
0
66.3
2013 Q4
16,021
2
1
124.8
2013 Q3
18,336
0
0
0.0
2013 Q2
18,518
8
3
432.0
2013 Q1
19,551
12
8
613.8
2012 Q4
19,330
1
1
51.7
2012 Q3
18,775
4
4
213.0
2012 Q2
12,532
1
0
79.8
2012 Q1
19,771
22
1
1112.7
2011 Q4
17,930
0
0
0.0
2011 Q3
16,866
15
6
889.4
2011 Q2
20,191
0
0
0.0
2011 Q1
20,803
3
2
144.2
2010 Q4
16,955
1
0
59.0
2010 Q3
18,931
1
0
52.8
2010 Q2
17,718
2
0
112.9
2010 Q1
20,008
0
0
0.0
2009 Q4
22,474
17
7
756.4
2009 Q3
15,700
0
0
0.0
2009 Q2
18,981
6
2
316.1
2009 Q1
18,041
0
0
0.0
2008 Q3
17,141
1
0
58.3
2008 Q2
16,146
0
0
0.0
2008 Q1
13,976
0
0
0.0
2007 Q4
12,674
4
0
315.6
2007 Q3
11,744
0
0
0.0
2007 Q2
11,387
1
0
87.8
2007 Q1
9,637
0
0
0.0
2006 Q4
5,240
0
0
0.0
2006 Q3
5,536
1
0
180.6
2006 Q2
6,849
0
0
0.0
2006 Q1
3,718
0
0
0.0
2005 Q4
6,533
0
0
0.0
2005 Q3
5,092
2
2
392.8
2005 Q2
4,700
1
0
212.8
2005 Q1
4,719
0
0
0.0
2004 Q4
4,044
0
0
0.0
2004 Q3
1,501
1
0
666.2
2004 Q2
4,715
0
0
0.0
2004 Q1
5,110
0
0
0.0
2003 Q4
4,320
0
0
0.0
2003 Q3
1,551
0
0
0.0
2003 Q2
5,078
2
1
393.9
2003 Q1
5,374
0
0
0.0
2002 Q4
2,464
0
0
0.0
2002 Q3
2,657
0
0
0.0
2002 Q2
3,822
0
0
0.0
2002 Q1
14,212
0
0
0.0
2001 Q4
8,125
0
0
0.0
2001 Q3
6,099
2
2
327.9
2001 Q2
5,948
0
0
0.0
2001 Q1
6,122
0
0
0.0
2000 Q4
9,146
0
0
0.0
2000 Q3
9,979
2
2
200.4
2000 Q2
9,236
0
0
0.0
2000 Q1
7,299
0
0
0.0
No fatalities recorded at this mine.
Reportable incidents
21 on file
2022 · 1 incident
May 12, 2022WV · Coalassayer, geologist, metallurgist, engineer, engineer managementHANDLING OF MATERIALS
Employee was unspooling and feeding electrical cable down the shaft of the time. The spool was freely spinning on a 1" piece of rigid conduit that was supported on racketeers. The momentum and weight of cable caused spool to spin uncontrollably. The spool and conduit struck the employees. Approx 16 stitches.
Employee working on energized 4,160 Volt transformer with a 1,000 Volt meter. The meter blew causing an ARC Flash which caused second degree burns to the injured's face. All PPE was worn including Hard hat, Safety Glasses, High Voltage Gloves, FR Shirt and vest.
Bldg. was inspected earlier the same morning for objects by the inside face of the siding which could fall. A wire rope guardrail system was installed at that time in anticipation of a fall hazard being created by removing siding. Investigation could not determine how the plate got there. No issues of i)compliance,ii)equipment,iii)proficiency/training,or iv)PPE/Devices was ident.
Employee was next to a floor opening while tied off to an adjacent 3/8" wire rope cable used as a barricade at the opening. EE was pulling on a compressed air hose and lost balance, causing them to fall into the opening. The floor below was only 12' below their location, and their feet still struck the floor below, causing them to twist their left foot.
2017 · 1 incident
September 15, 2017WV · Coalwarehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operatorSLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
When attempting to descend off of a Caterpillar pan, the injured started to fall and then jumped some 7 feet to the concrete shop floor landing on both feet.
2016 · 1 incident
February 23, 2016WV · Coalmaintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service techSLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
The injured had placed a ladder into a rock chute, then entered the chute and stepped onto the ladder when the ladder tipped and the injured fell, along with the ladder some approx. 42 feet onto the rock pile below.
2014 · 1 incident
March 6, 2014WV · Coalmaintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service techHANDLING OF MATERIALS
The injured was pulling the slack out of the wire rope winch cable became tight and he continued to pull resulting in a hernia that required surgery to repair. Injury occurred on 12-14-13, but injured continued to work up in till day of surgery (3-6-14) at which time it became reportable.
Wolf Run Mining LLC · Caught in, under or between (Not Elsewhere Classified)
Employee was lowering a 14" diameter pipe into place when it became caught. He kicked it with his right foot to free it. The pipe broke free catching the side of his foot in a pinch point causing a laceration. The employee was wearing metatarsals, but it caught just behind steel toe and below metatarsal.
EE finished installing new cable and danger signs on the legs under the emergency refuse bin. He was getting into the passage the pickup truck when he was struck on the top of his hard hat by a falling rock (2"x 8"x 10"l) causing him to strike his face and head on the rearview mirror of the truck resulting in 3 broken bones in his neck, 6 staples in his nose and 2 on his head.
2007 · 2 incidents
November 26, 2007WV · Coalwarehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operatorSLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Individual was climbing onto the D8L dozer using three points of contact when his foot slipped due to muddy, rainy conditions. This caused his body to twist as he caught his body weight with his arms. Note: Inury became Restricted duty on 12/3/07
May 23, 2007WV · Coalelectrician, linemanDISORDERS (REPEATED TRAUMA)
Injured had a 21' joint of 4" schedule 80 pipe up on a 2' board (header) to allow him to wrap a cutting guide around it to allow him to mark the pipe for cutting. He was positioned with his back to the board. As he was marking the pipe, it rolled off and crushed his finger on the concrete floor.
2003 · 1 incident
April 29, 2003WV · Coalwarehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator
INDIVIDUAL WAS ASSISTING IN HOISTING A 75 HP MOTOR INTO THE SLOPE SCREEN HOUSE WHEN THE TROLLEY BEING USED TO LIFT BY FAILED. A SECTION OF THE TROLLEY WAS FOUND TO HAVE STRUCK THE INJURED.
2001 · 3 incidents
September 18, 2001WV · Coalwarehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operatorMACHINERY
WHILE LYING ON BACK AND USING AN AIR IMPACT WRENCH TO TIGHTEN BOLTS, THE INJURED DROPPED THE WRENCH. THE WRENCH STRUCK HIM ABOVE THE LEFT EYE RESULTING IN A 1" LONG, 3/4" DEEP CUT.
June 29, 2001WV · Coalbulldozer operator, universal operator, heavy equipment operator, operating engineerHANDLING OF MATERIALS
EMPLOYEE NOTICED PAIN IN STOMACH AREA. DR. DIAG-NOSED IT AS A HERNIA. THE DATE,TIME,OR LOCATION OF THE EVENT IS UNKNOWN. THE HERNIA WAS SURGICALLY REPAIRED.
INJURED WAS UNLOADING COAL ON A STOCKPILE. THE AREA WAS NOT PERFECTLY LEVEL AND AS THE TAILOR WAS BEING RAISED, THE MATERIAL SHIFTED TO THE LOW SIDE CAUSING THE TRUCK TO UPSET. THE OPERATOR WA S SUSPENDED IN THE SET BELT NEEDING ASSISTANCE TO GET FREE.
2000 · 1 incident
November 6, 2000WV · Coalwarehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operatorSLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
THE INDIVIDUAL WAS HELPING TO INSTALL A RAW COAL SIEVE ON THE 7TH FLOOR OF THE PREP PLANT WHEN HE EXPERIENCED A SHARP PAIN IN THE LEFT SIDE OF HIS NECK.
July 31, 1999WV · Coalmaintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service techHANDLING OF MATERIALS
Wolf Run Mining LLC · Caught in, under or between (Not Elsewhere Classified)
THE INDIVIDUAL WAS INSTALLING A WEAR PLATE ON THE SLURRY PUMP IN THE PREPARATION PLANT WHEN HE CAUGHT HIS RIGHT INDEX FINGER BETWEEN THE WEAR PLATE AND THE PUMP SHAFT INCURRING THE INJURY.