Mining Incidents

SMITH RANCH PROJECT Metal/Non-Metal

Rio Algom Mining Corp · Facility
Controlled by BHP Billiton
Converse County, WY  ·  Abandoned
MSHA Mine ID: 4800837

MSHA record for SMITH RANCH PROJECT (mine ID 4800837). Fatalities, non-fatal incidents grouped by year, current operator and controller, and mine context.

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Fatalities
1
Total incidents
23
Years on record
1984–2001
Latest incident
Aug 2001
Inspection activity
MSHA inspections since 2000
4
inspections on record
67
inspection hours
n/a
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: 67 inspection hours is too few for a stable rate. A minimum of 1,000 inspection hours is required.
Source: MSHA inspections 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
2001 Q3 31,158 0 0 0.0
2001 Q2 31,276 0 0 0.0
2001 Q1 33,510 0 0 0.0
2000 Q4 31,820 0 0 0.0
2000 Q3 34,754 0 0 0.0
2000 Q2 37,425 0 0 0.0
2000 Q1 36,938 0 0 0.0

Fatalities at this mine

1 recorded
September 16, 1999 WY · Metal/Non-Metal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver Fatality · POWERED HAULAGE
Rio Algom Mining Corp · Struck against a moving object

THE VICTIM HAD FILLED HIS WATER TRUCK AND WAS DESCENDING A HILL TO A DRILL LOCATION. HE LOST CONTROL OF THE TRUCK ON A CURVE AT THE BOTTOM OF THE HILL TRAVELING A HIGH RATE OF SPEED. THE TRUCK CONTINUED THROUGH AN OPEN FIELD AND CRASHED INTO A RAVINE. THE WATER TANK BROKE LOOSE CRUSHING THE CAB.

Reportable incidents

22 on file (excluding fatalities above)

2001 · 5 incidents

August 9, 2001 WY · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Rio Algom Mining Corp · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

THE EMPLOYEE, AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT, WAS USING AN ELECTRICIANS BLADE WITH HOOK TO STRIP WIRE. WHILE HOLDING THE KNIFE IN HIS HAND, HE PLACED THE WIRE ACROSS HIS RIGHT THIGH. WHILE STRIPP ING THE WIRE, THE KNIFE SLIPPED AND THE EMPLOYEE LACERATED HIS RIGHT THIGH. EE WAS REMINDED BY SUPERVISORS DURING THE WEEK OF THE ACCIDENT TO USE PROPER BODY POSITION & TO FOLLOW STANDARD OPE

July 26, 2001 WY · Metal/Non-Metal electrician, lineman OTHER
Rio Algom Mining Corp · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE WAS STANDING IN OPEN DOORWAY INSTALLING LIGHT FIXTURES IN A WELLHOUSE, WHEN A STRONG GUST OF WIND BLEW THE DOOR SHUT STRIKING THE EE IN THE LEFT ELBOW. THE EE SUSTAINED A CONTUSION TO THE L EFT ELBOW.

January 26, 2001 WY · Metal/Non-Metal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Rio Algom Mining Corp · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE WAS ATTEMPTING TO REMOVE THE OUTER PLASTIC COVERING FROM A 4 CONDUCTOR #8 WIRE EE WAS USING A WINCH KNIFE WITH A GUT HOOK THE KNIFE SLIPPED OUT OF THE INSTRION AND THE GUT HOOK PORTION OF T HE BLADE LACERATION THE EE LEFT HAND BETWEEN INDEX FINGER A THUMB.

January 23, 2001 WY · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Rio Algom Mining Corp · Struck against stationary object

EE WAS ATTEMPTING TO REMOVE A 1/2" STEEL PIPE PLUG FROM A OIL STORAGEW TANK, THE TNE INCH ADJUSTABLE WRENCH HE WAS USING SLIPPED, ALLOWING THE LITTLE FINGER ON HIS LEFT HAND TO STRIKE A TANK S UPPORT TEARING THE FINGERNAIL LOOSE.

January 10, 2001 WY · Metal/Non-Metal dryer operator, kiln operator, dry plant operator, fluid operator, bed dryer operator HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Rio Algom Mining Corp · Struck by falling object

EE WAS TRYING TO MOVE A CURVED SECTION OF DRUM ROLLER TRACK THAT WAS LEANING AGAINST A CEMENT DRYER SUPPORT SO HE COULD CLEAN THE AREA. WHILE DOING SO HE LOST HIS GRIP ON THE TRACK, ALLOWING IT TO FALL, STRIKING THE BRIDGE OF HIS (R)FOOT.

2000 · 1 incident

October 17, 2000 WY · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Rio Algom Mining Corp · Over-exertion in wielding or throwing objects

EE, IN A TWISTING MOTION, WAS THROWING STOCK MATERIALS TO AN UPPER LEVEL LOFT THAT IS 9 FT. OFF THE SURFACE. WHILE THROWING A CONTAINER THAT CONTAINED 6-1 GALLON BOTTLES OF WASHER FLUID WEIGHI NG 52 LBS. THE EE INJURED HIS LOWER BACK. BACK INJURY WAS NOT DIAGNOSED UNTIL OCTOBER 25, 2000.

1999 · 3 incidents

December 6, 1999 WY · Metal/Non-Metal drill helper MACHINERY
Rio Algom Mining Corp · Struck by falling object

AFTER DRILLER AND HELPER MAD CONNECTION HELPER PLACED SCREW PLUG IN DRILL PIPE W/O SCREWING IN PROPERLY, AS DRILLER RAISED DRILL PIPE,HE DIDN'T SEE THAT SCREW PLUG WAS NOT SCREWED IN BECAUSE H ELPER WAS BLOCKING HIS VIEW. AS THE PIPE WAS PICKED UP THE SCREW PLUG SLIPPED OUT CAUSING DRILL PIPE TO FALL AND HIT HELPER ON RIGHT FOREARM.

September 10, 1999 WY · Metal/Non-Metal water truck operator HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Rio Algom Mining Corp · Over-exertion in lifting objects

HE WAS PICKING UP A 7 7/8 BIT THAT HAD A SUB ON IT INCORRECTLY 4 PULLED A GROIN MUSCLE.

February 26, 1999 WY · Metal/Non-Metal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman OTHER
Rio Algom Mining Corp · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

WHILE TRYING TO PUT UP WIND WALLS, THE WIND GUSTED TO THE INJ WORKER HAD THE WALLS SLAMMED INTO HIS SHOULDER & DISLOCATED

1998 · 5 incidents

December 17, 1998 WY · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech OTHER
Rio Algom Mining Corp · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

UNLOADING A SHEET OF STEEL BULDING SIDING FROM THE BACK OF A TRUCK WHEN THE WIND CAUGHT IT PULLING IT THROUGH HIS HANDS LACERATING THE FOURTH DIGIT ON THE RIGHT HAND. THE WOUND REQUIRED FIVE S TITCHES. THE EE WAS NOT WEARING GLOVES.

November 24, 1998 WY · Metal/Non-Metal driller, highwall helper, highwall drill helper HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Rio Algom Mining Corp · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

WHILE BREAKING A DRILL PIPE CONNECTION THE RACHET JAW ON THE BREAKOUT TONGS BROKE. INJURED EE WAS STEPPING ONTO DRILL STAND WHEN THE TONGS PIECE BROKE AND WAS STRUCK ON THE UPPER CHEEK BELOW L EFT EYE. AND A PIECE OF THE TONG EMBEDDED INTO LOWER PART OF LEFT EYE. HE WAS NOT WEARING HIS AFETY GLASSES.

August 14, 1998 WY · Metal/Non-Metal drill helper MACHINERY
Rio Algom Mining Corp · Struck by falling object

BRING DRILL PIPE OUT OF HOLE AND CABLE BROKE FALLING PARTS, BROKE BONE IN HELPER'S HAND.

May 8, 1998 WY · Metal/Non-Metal MACHINERY
Rio Algom Mining Corp · Caught in, under or between (Not Elsewhere Classified)

CREW WAS ATTEMPTING TO FREE A SWABBING TOOL THAT WAS STUCK DOWN HOLE IN AN INJECTION WELL. THE CREW WAS ATTEMPTING TO STRIP 2" FIBERGLASS PIPE OVER THE SWABBING LINE TO FREE THE TOOL, THE 3/8" CABLE WAS NOT SECURED AT THE WELLHEAD, & ALLOWED IT TO COME LOOSE & GO DOWN HOLE. THE CABLE ENTANGLED THE EE'S LEFT SHOULDER. THE EE SUSTAINEAD A SPRAIN TO HIS SHOULDER.

January 21, 1998 WY · Metal/Non-Metal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman OTHER
Rio Algom Mining Corp · Caught in, under or between (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE WAS GOING TO PULL A WELLHEAD AND GET OUT OF THE TRUCK TO GET A SECTION OF ROPE FROM THE BACK. HE LEFT THE TRUCK DOOR OPEN AND PUT HIS RIGHT HAND ON THE DOOR FRAME. THE WIND CAUSED THE DOOR TO CLOSE ON HIS RIGHT HAND, FRACTURING AND LACERATING THE RIGHT FINGER. THE INJURY REQUIRED SIX SUTURES.

1997 · 4 incidents

September 4, 1997 WY · Metal/Non-Metal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Rio Algom Mining Corp · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE WAS MAKING A RUBBER CABLE WIPER FOR A LOGGING TRUCK. HE WAS USING A UTILITY KNIFE TO CUT THE MATERIAL, HE WAS HOLDING THE KNIFE IN HIS LEFT HAND CUTTING TOWARDS HIMSELF WHEN THE KNIFE SLIPP ED CUTTING HIS RIGHT WRIST. THE LACERATION REQUIRED FOUR [4] SUTURES.

August 23, 1997 WY · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Rio Algom Mining Corp · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

EE WAS HAND PULLING A 10 H.P. GOULD PUMP INTO POSITION WHEN IT FELL FROM THE SUPPORT, CATCHING HIS MIDDLE FINGER ON HIS RIGHT HAND BETWEEN THE PUMP AND SUPPORT. HIS FINGER SUSTAINED A 1.5 CENT IMETER LACERATION REQUIRING TWO STITCHES.

June 17, 1997 WY · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Rio Algom Mining Corp · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EMP WAS OPENING BAGS OF SALT WITH A POCKET KNIFE. AFTER OPENING BAG EMP WAS IN PROCESS OF EMPTYING SALT WHILE HOLDING KNIFE IN RIGHT HAND. KNIFE WAS FORCED DOWN INTO RIGHT THIGH. WOUND REQUIRE D FOUR STITCHES.

June 16, 1997 WY · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech IGNITION OR EXPLOSION OF GAS OR DUST
Rio Algom Mining Corp · Contact with hot objects or substances

EMP WAS PRIMING CARBURETOR WITH GASOLINE WHEN ENGINE BACKFIRED THROUGH CARBURETOR BLOWING RAW GASOLINE AND FIRE ON HIS NECK. EMP WAS LEANING OVER CARBURETOR AT TIME. SECOND DEGREE BURN ON RIGH T SIDE OF NECK. GIVEN TRAINING IN PROPER METHOD TO PERFORM TASK. ALSO DISCUSSED AT SAFETY MEETING.

1996 · 2 incidents

October 15, 1996 WY · Metal/Non-Metal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman MACHINERY
Rio Algom Mining Corp · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE WAS ATTEMPTING TO PRIME PUMP ON A CEMENTING MACHINE. PUMP MOTOR WAS ENGAGED WITH VALVE ON DISCHARGE LINE IN OPEN POSITION. THIS PERMITTED THE DISCHARGE HOSE TO PREWSSURE UP. THE DISCHARGE E ND OF THE HOSE HAD NOT BEEN SECURED ALLOWING THE HOSE END TO STRIKE THE EE, CUTTING EAR. REQUIRED NONE STITCHES.

August 29, 1996 WY · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech MACHINERY
Rio Algom Mining Corp · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EMPLOYEE STATES HE WAS GRINDING WELDS SMOOTH WITH AN ANGULAR GRINDER WHEN THE GRINDER SLIPPED AND CUT HIS WRIST.

1990 · 1 incident

March 8, 1990 WY · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Rio Algom Mining Corp · Fall down stairs

EMPLOYEE WAS DESCENDING WAREHOUSE STEPS WITH ARMS LOADED WITH SUPPLIES, AND SLIPPED ON A STAIR CAUSING EMPLOYEE TO FALL.

1984 · 1 incident

September 19, 1984 WY · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Sequoyah Fuels Corp · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

HANDLING AND MOVING OF DRUMS OF MATERIAL THEREBY CAUSING STRAIN OR CONTUSION TO BONES IN LEFT HAND

For insurers, brokers, and safety consultants

The full compliance file on SMITH RANCH PROJECT

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.