Mining Incidents

Sigmon Strip #23 Coal

Controlled by James C Justice III
Appalachia, Wise County, VA  ·  Active
MSHA Mine ID: 4406869

Sigmon Strip #23 has $101K in proposed MSHA penalties and $15K outstanding across 10 contested dockets, plus health sampling and the full incident record.

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Fatalities
0
Total incidents
32
Years on record
2000–2010
Latest incident
Aug 2010
Compliance record
MSHA citations since 2001
406
citations
180
significant & substantial
$101,103
proposed penalties
$81,732
paid to date
81% of proposed penalties paid to date, a $19,371 gap.
Source: MSHA violations data, updated weekly.
Inspection activity
MSHA inspections since 2000
103
inspections on record
2,700
inspection hours
15.0
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.
406 citations across 2,700 inspection hours.
Source: MSHA inspections data, updated weekly.

Sigmon Strip #23 has $101K in proposed MSHA penalties and $15K outstanding across 10 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.
$101K
proposed penalties
$96K
current assessed
$82K
paid to date
$15K
outstanding
399 assessments are final orders; 10 contested dockets.
As of the most recent assessment on 2025-12-30.
Source: MSHA assessed-violations and conference/litigation data, updated weekly.

MSHA sampling at Sigmon Strip #23 shows respirable coal dust averaging 0.25 mg/m3 (99% compliant) across 218 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.
0.25
dust avg (mg/m3)
5.70
dust max (mg/m3)
99%
within 1.5 mg/m3
218
samples
Most recent sample: 2025-07-22.
Silica (quartz)
11.8
silica avg (%)
20.8
silica max (%)
22
samples
Most recent sample: 2023-03-22.
Noise
9%
over PEL
96
samples
Most recent sample: 2024-12-26.
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 1,134 1 0 881.8
2025 Q3 1,092 0 0 0.0
2025 Q2 981 1 0 1019.4
2025 Q1 1,365 0 0 0.0
2024 Q4 748 2 0 2673.8
2024 Q3 99 0 0 0.0
2024 Q1 0 0 0
2023 Q4 0 0 0
Show 88 earlier quarters
Quarter Hours worked Citations S&S Per 1M hrs
2023 Q3 2,840 0 0 0.0
2023 Q2 3,138 0 0 0.0
2023 Q1 3,123 0 0 0.0
2022 Q4 3,269 0 0 0.0
2022 Q3 1,800 1 0 555.6
2022 Q2 1,800 0 0 0.0
2022 Q1 2,740 0 0 0.0
2021 Q4 1,860 0 0 0.0
2021 Q3 1,640 0 0 0.0
2021 Q2 1,800 0 0 0.0
2021 Q1 2,480 0 0 0.0
2020 Q4 800 0 0 0.0
2020 Q3 800 0 0 0.0
2020 Q2 700 0 0 0.0
2020 Q1 240 0 0 0.0
2019 Q4 0 0 0
2019 Q3 0 0 0
2018 Q3 0 3 0
2018 Q2 0 0 0
2018 Q1 0 8 4
2017 Q4 4,479 0 0 0.0
2017 Q3 432 3 1 6944.4
2017 Q2 0 0 0
2017 Q1 0 0 0
2016 Q4 0 1 0
2016 Q3 0 0 0
2016 Q2 0 0 0
2016 Q1 0 3 0
2015 Q4 0 0 0
2015 Q3 0 0 0
2015 Q2 0 0 0
2015 Q1 0 0 0
2014 Q4 0 0 0
2014 Q3 0 0 0
2014 Q1 0 0 0
2013 Q1 17,582 14 6 796.3
2012 Q4 11,595 0 0 0.0
2012 Q3 3,259 0 0 0.0
2012 Q2 20,825 0 0 0.0
2012 Q1 7,403 0 0 0.0
2011 Q4 0 0 0
2011 Q3 6,342 3 2 473.0
2011 Q2 5,892 1 1 169.7
2011 Q1 10,556 0 0 0.0
2010 Q4 0 0 0
2010 Q3 29,557 0 0 0.0
2010 Q2 35,667 7 4 196.3
2010 Q1 28,011 2 1 71.4
2009 Q4 35,654 2 0 56.1
2009 Q3 27,381 1 0 36.5
2009 Q2 34,261 0 0 0.0
2009 Q1 33,582 17 4 506.2
2008 Q4 52,259 0 0 0.0
2008 Q3 49,879 0 0 0.0
2008 Q2 59,075 48 20 812.5
2008 Q1 69,396 10 8 144.1
2007 Q4 58,233 0 0 0.0
2007 Q3 55,995 10 3 178.6
2007 Q2 28,393 0 0 0.0
2007 Q1 3,956 1 1 252.8
2006 Q4 32,771 28 10 854.4
2006 Q3 39,519 0 0 0.0
2006 Q2 35,853 29 10 808.9
2006 Q1 35,978 0 0 0.0
2005 Q4 35,152 28 17 796.5
2005 Q3 33,928 5 1 147.4
2005 Q2 36,520 12 1 328.6
2005 Q1 35,956 0 0 0.0
2004 Q4 33,445 20 11 598.0
2004 Q3 32,153 0 0 0.0
2004 Q2 36,077 16 11 443.5
2004 Q1 35,832 1 0 27.9
2003 Q4 35,448 29 16 818.1
2003 Q3 19,044 2 2 105.0
2003 Q2 16,384 17 11 1037.6
2003 Q1 15,892 0 0 0.0
2002 Q4 19,265 16 8 830.5
2002 Q3 18,757 0 0 0.0
2002 Q2 23,707 12 4 506.2
2002 Q1 25,492 0 0 0.0
2001 Q4 22,326 31 15 1388.5
2001 Q3 17,767 4 3 225.1
2001 Q2 3,711 14 5 3772.6
2001 Q1 0 2 0
2000 Q4 0 0 0
2000 Q3 0 0 0
2000 Q2 472 0 0 0.0
2000 Q1 7,962 0 0 0.0
No fatalities recorded at this mine.

Reportable incidents

32 on file

2010 · 2 incidents

June 30, 2010 VA · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
A & G Coal Corporation · Struck by flying object

Employee was using a sledge hammer to remove a tooth off a loader bucket of a 994. A piece of metal flew off and penatrated the left knee. This caused a lot of bleeding and surgery to remove the imgesef piece of metal.

2009 · 5 incidents

November 12, 2009 VA · Coal greaser, grease man, oiler, lube man, dragline oiler SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
A & G Coal Corporation · Fall from machine

Employee was helping service D-9 dozer, when dismounting lost footing on step & fell to the ground. The employee did not report this until 11-17-09.

August 28, 2009 VA · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
A & G Coal Corporation · Caught in, under or between (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE was helping others replace springs pads on 800 Mack truck (ST140), when one of the jacks kicked out and caught ee right index finger between spring and crib block.

August 13, 2009 VA · Coal bulldozer operator, universal operator, heavy equipment operator, operating engineer SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
A & G Coal Corporation · Fall onto or against objects

Employee was climbing off dozer when he missed the top step and fell on his back, hitting the dozer track.

July 21, 2009 VA · Coal front-end loader, scraper-loader operator, pan operator, payloader, scraper rig operator HANDLING OF MATERIALS
A & G Coal Corporation · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was dismounting a 944 Cat loader. When he stepped from the last step to the ground, he pulled his fingers on his left hand.

January 10, 2009 VA · Coal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
A & G Coal Corporation · Fall from machine

Employee was climbing down from hauler and caught his foot between the last step and bumper, then fell, twisting his ankle and knee.

2008 · 5 incidents

December 2, 2008 VA · Coal quality control technician, laboratory technician, laboratory assistant HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
A & G Coal Corporation · Over-exertion in pulling or pushing objects

Individual was pulling on a wrench in order to loosen a bolt when he felt a "pop" in the neck / shoulder area.

October 10, 2008 VA · Coal bulldozer operator, universal operator, heavy equipment operator, operating engineer MACHINERY
A & G Coal Corporation · Struck against a moving object

Employee was working highwall, backing up, backed over a rock hitting hard and causing employee to be thrown toward right hitting his head on a computer panel. NOTE: Employee did not seek medical attention or miss time until 10-31-08.

September 25, 2008 VA · Coal front-end loader, scraper-loader operator, pan operator, payloader, scraper rig operator SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
A & G Coal Corporation · Fall from machine

On or about 9/25/08, EE was climbing down to dismount his loader, tripped on the last step, fell to the ground. He put his left arm out to catch himself. EE now says injury to his left arm. He did not seek medical attention until 10/29/08. His 1st shift from work was 10/30/08.

July 22, 2008 VA · Coal rotary bucket excavator operator SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
A & G Coal Corporation · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was stepping off of a 330 excavator during a rain storm. When his foot made contact with the gravel his foot slipped, causing all his weight to rest on his right foot resulting in a sprained ankle.

April 10, 2008 VA · Coal bulldozer operator, universal operator, heavy equipment operator, operating engineer MACHINERY
A & G Coal Corporation · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE was operating dozer, reached for the steering clutch lever, felt pain in his left shoulder.

2007 · 1 incident

November 5, 2007 VA · Coal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
A & G Coal Corporation · Fall from machine

Employee fell from a ladder from the side of a 785 hauler hitting the service truck with his head & chest. This required staples. Note: This accident reported on 4406999 is not correct.

2006 · 2 incidents

October 6, 2006 VA · Coal FIRE
Marion Energy LLC. · Accident type, without injuries

A fire occurred on bulldozer 491. The cause of the fire is unknown.

May 23, 2006 VA · Coal welder (shop) MACHINERY
Marion Energy LLC. · Contact with hot objects or substances

Employee was using a torch to cut metal. A piece of hot metal hit employee's right hand near thumb.

2005 · 1 incident

March 31, 2005 VA · Coal front-end loader, scraper-loader operator, pan operator, payloader, scraper rig operator MACHINERY
Marion Energy LLC. · Caught in, under or between (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee's finger came into contact with an air conditioning fan resulting in a cut to the tip of his finger requiring stitches.

2004 · 5 incidents

October 2, 2004 VA · Coal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Marion Energy LLC. · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE was climbing up the steps on a 16G grader. While climbing up the steps. EE pulled a groin muscle.

July 28, 2004 VA · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Marion Energy LLC. · Fall onto or against objects

INJURED WAS SERVICING A DOZER, INJURED FELL ON THE DOZER STRIKING HIS LEFT ARM RESULTING IN A BROKEN BONE IN HIS LEFT ARM.

June 11, 2004 VA · Coal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Marion Energy LLC. · Fall from machine

Ee fell from the step landing on the service truck. Ee broke his fall with his hand resulting in a fracture to his small finger on his left hand.

May 7, 2004 VA · Coal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver POWERED HAULAGE
Marion Energy LLC. · Struck against a moving object

EE WAS OPERATING A HAUL TRUCK. THE RIGHT FRONT STRUT BROKE ON THE TRUCK. THE RIGHT FRONT OF THE TRUCK HIT THE FRONT TIRE. EE SAID HE HURT HIS BACK. THE BROKEN STRUT LET THE TRUCK SIT DOWN ON THE TIRE.

February 2, 2004 VA · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Marion Energy LLC. · Fall onto or against objects

WHILE SERVICING A 992 LOADER, EE SLIPPED ON THE LOADER & FELL ON THE LOADER STRIKING HIS BACK ON THE BATTERY BOX OF THE LOADER

2003 · 5 incidents

December 20, 2003 VA · Coal truck driver SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Marion Energy LLC. · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE WAS WALKING FROM HIS PERSONAL TRUCK TOWARD THE 777 TRUCK HE OPERATED. HE SAID HE STEPPED IN A HOLE AND TWISTED HIS BACK.

September 19, 2003 VA · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Marion Energy LLC. · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE WAS WALKING ON THE GROUND WHEN HE TURNED HIS RIGHT ANKLE.

August 8, 2003 VA · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Marion Energy LLC. · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE WAS USING A HAMMER TO REMOVE THE TIP END OF A LOADER TOOTH, A SMALL PIECE OF STEEL BROKE OFF THE TOOTH AND EMBEDDED IN HIS LEFT THIGH.

February 18, 2003 VA · Coal FIRE
Marion Energy LLC. · Accident type, without injuries

A HATACHI 1100 EXCAVATOR CAUGHT ON FIRE RESULTING IN THE EXCAVATOR BEING DESTROYED. THE EXCAVATOR WAS NOT IN OPERATION AT THE TIME OF THE FIRE.

2002 · 4 incidents

October 2, 2002 VA · Coal auger operator, auger crew supervisor SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Marion Energy LLC. · Fall to the walkway or working surface

EE FELL ON AUGER LANDING, RESULTING IN SPRAIN TO RIGHT ANKLE.

August 28, 2002 VA · Coal coal/ore shovel operator, shoveler, power shoveler SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Marion Energy LLC. · Fall onto or against objects

EMPLOYEE FELL OFF HIS MACHINE WHILE CLIMBING DOWN THE MACHINE STEPS, STEPS AND HANDRAILS WERE IN PLACE. EMPLOYEE BRUISED HIS RIGHT SHOULDER.

July 8, 2002 VA · Coal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Marion Energy LLC. · Contact with hot objects or substances

EE WAS CLIMBING UP TRUCK WHEN HE TOUCHED EXHAUST PIPE ON AIR COMPRESSOR - RESULTING IN A BURNED RIGHT HAND.

February 9, 2002 VA · Coal grader operator, roadgrader operator SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Marion Energy LLC. · Fall from machine

EE WAS ADDING WATER TO THE RADIATOR ON THE CAT GRADER, EE SLIPPED AND FELL OFF OF THE GRADER INJURING HIS BACK.

2000 · 2 incidents

May 1, 2000 VA · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech MACHINERY
Marion Energy LLC. · Struck by falling object

EE WAS HELPING REMOVE THE BELLY PAN ON THE D40D TRUCK. HE THOUGHT HE HAD THE AIR WRENCH IN THE TIGHTEN POSITION AS HE WAS STARTING TO TIGHTEN A BOLT. THE WRENCH WAS IN THE REVERSE POSTION CAUS ING THE BOLT TO BE REMOVED AND LETTING THE BELLY PAN FALL ON HIS RIGHT LEG CAUSING A BRUISE TO THE RIGHT THIGH.

February 5, 2000 VA · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Marion Energy LLC. · Over-exertion in lifting objects

INJURED WAS LIFTING CUTTING EDGES, TO PUT ON BOTTOM OF LOADER BUCKET, FELT NUMBNESS IN RIGHT LEG. AT TIME OF ACCIDENT INJURED THOUGHT IT WAS PULLED MUSCLE IN RIGHT LEG. MRI WAS DONE AT A LATER

For insurers, brokers, and safety consultants

The full compliance file on Sigmon Strip #23

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.