Mining Incidents

Freeport-McMoRan Chino Mines CompanyMining Incidents in 2025

All MSHA-reportable accidents at Freeport-McMoRan Chino Mines Company operations in 2025. Fatalities appear first.

Fatalities in 2025
0
Total incidents
16
Year
2025

Top incident classifications

  1. 01HANDLING OF MATERIALS6 incidents
  2. 02HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)3 incidents
  3. 03OTHER3 incidents
  4. 04MACHINERY2 incidents
  5. 05SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON2 incidents

All incidents in 2025

Struck against a moving object

When shovel dipper was coming out of the bed of the truck, a rock came out of the dipper and struck the dovetail, jarring the driver. Driver was taken to the ER and given time off, missing next shift, fully released on 11/03/2025.

Struck by flying object

While installing banjo bracket and arm on the shovel sticks, using a come along, the come along chain failed and the bracket and arm contacted the employee's right wrist area. EE was taken to the ER, diagnosed with a fracture and taken off work. CURRENTLY ONGOING

Absorption of radiations, caustics, toxic and noxious substances

Employee was cleaning the basement at the lime plant and steam burnt a small hole through EE's boot, causing blistering on EE's left foot.

Struck by falling object

Employee was dressing lead anodes for cell maintenance. While installing side insulator (PVC) with a rubber mallet, the left side of the anode slipped off the strongback hook, striking the employee in the neck area. EE was taken to the ER and taken off work 2 days for concussion protocol.

Bodily reaction, (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee had returned from taking samples, entered information, stood up from the chair and experienced a sharp pain run from lower left leg to lower hip area. Employee was evaluated by an ERT member then taken to the ER for evaluation. Employee was taken off work until evaluated by PCP.

Over-exertion in pulling or pushing objects

Employee was working restricted duty from a previous personal injury, failed to remember not to pull with right arm, and used the grab bar while mounting pickup and dislocated shoulder. Employee was taken to the ER, referred to ortho and taken off work. Currently ongoing.

Fall onto or against objects

Employee had finished servicing the dozer, climbed back on to remove lockout lock, slipped and jerked their shoulder. They refused treatment, but the next day took themselves to the ER, was taken off work until 5/27, was reevaluated and released to work

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was assisting another employee install a solenoid on a water truck when EE reached up to install bolt and felt EE's right shoulder dislocate. EE was taken to the ER, taken off work and referred to an orthopedic specialist. CURRENTLY ONGOING. (has dislocated 3 times prior elsewhere)

Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

During cell maintenance, employee was in the process of repositioning lead anodes back into the cell when one shifted, pinching the employee's right middle distal between the anode and another surface, degloving their fingertip. Employee was seen by an orthopedic and taken off work.

Struck by rolling or sliding object

As employee was making their rounds in the grinding tunnel, a grinding ball rolled down the tunnel, striking them in the left calf. EE was taken to the ER, diagnosed with a contusion and placed on restricted duty. CURRENTLY ONGOING.

Absorption of radiations, caustics, toxic and noxious substances

While conducting cell maintenance, electrolyte got in employee's boot. Employee completed shift and went home, called and reported irritation, and next day requested medical attention. Employee was given work restrictions. Currently ON GOING.

Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

Employee was preparing to remove a tire on an articulating truck, and when placing the bead breaker in position, caught the tip of index finger between the bead breaker and the rim of the tire. Lacerated finger, requiring sutures to close.

Over-exertion in lifting objects

Employee was lifting a return idler to carry down the tunnel when they felt a pain in lower left abdomen. Employee was taken to the ER, diagnosed with muscle strain and referred to PCP. PCP placed on restrictions. CURRENTLY ONGOING.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

After completing shift, employee was walking to the parking lot, after a light rain shower, and while attempting to walk around puddles slipped but didn't fall. They reported off work that evening due to pain, was seen at the clinic the next morning and placed on restrictions.

Inhalation of radiations, caustics, toxic and noxious substances

The conditions contributing to the injury or illness are primarily related to environmental factors (strong winds, sand, and dust) at the mine site, which led to aggravation of previous asthma for the individual despite the use of respiratory protection (N95).

Unclassified, insufficient data

Employee reportedly collapsed and was having trouble moving legs and arms on right side of body (symptoms associated with stroke). Transported to local ER and treated for dehydration/potassium deficiency. Employee working their first shift from days off, not considered work related and given full duty release to work. MSHA Hotline was notified just in case.

Other years on record

Source: US Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) accident records, kept current weekly. Operator identity is MSHA's operator_id on the accident record; records are scoped to Freeport-McMoRan Chino Mines Company's numeric MSHA operator ID.