Mining Incidents

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Every injury and fatality MSHA has on file. Filter by state, year, sector, classification, experience, or any keyword from the investigator's narrative.

Total incidents
273,095
Of which fatal
1,202
Years on record
2000–2026
Classifications
20
Filters 2 active
Time period
Experience at time of incident

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The record

72 matching records

Showing 50 of 72
February 28, 2025 WV · Coal bull gang foreman, labor foreman, leadman, section foreman, shift boss Fatality · FALL OF FACE/RIB/PILLAR/SIDE/HIGHWALL
Marfork Coal Company, LLC · Struck by falling object

EE had been jack hammering to set a water trap for seals and traded off with coworker to take a break went over to rib sat down when rib roll 68"L x 24" W x 8" T came off at spad #3002/7483 on EE striking EE in the chest and abdomen area.

January 29, 2025 WV · Coal drill operator Fatality · FALL OF FACE/RIB/PILLAR/SIDE/HIGHWALL
Lexington Coal Company, LLC · Struck by falling object

The employee was drilling a test hole in the surface pit floor to see if the rider coal seam was under the seam they were taking. Due to the freezing and thawing of the highwall a large chunk of rock approximately 4'x2'x3' came down striking the enclosed cab of the mobile drill, ripping the cab off and striking the employee.

August 22, 2024 MA · Metal/Non-Metal rotary bucket excavator operator Fatality · FALL OF FACE/RIB/PILLAR/SIDE/HIGHWALL
Onyx Corporation · Caught in, under or between collapsing material or buildings

A miner died when a highwall collapsed on the excavator the miner was operating.

November 13, 2023 GA · Metal/Non-Metal rotary bucket excavator operator Fatality · FALL OF FACE/RIB/PILLAR/SIDE/HIGHWALL
KaMin LLC · Caught in, under or between collapsing material or buildings

Investigation is ongoing. *A miner died after being engulfed by a collapsing highwall.

March 2, 2022 PA · Coal scoop tram operator, load/haul/dump operator Fatality · FALL OF FACE/RIB/PILLAR/SIDE/HIGHWALL
LCT Energy, LP · Struck by falling object

In the Main A section, number 5 entry in the intersection of crosscut 139 at station spad #2994. While walking past a rib, a rock measuring approximately 5'x2'x18" fell out striking the victim.

June 2, 2021 WV · Coal section foreman, bullgang foreman, labor foreman, leadman, shift boss Fatality · FALL OF FACE/RIB/PILLAR/SIDE/HIGHWALL
Marion County Coal Resources, Inc. · Struck by falling object

An EE was fatally injured when coal and rock material fell from the mine rib while rib bolting, and pinned the injured against the continuous mining machine. The rock and coal material measured approximately 6.3'x3.2'x2.0'. The miner was trained in the task being performed.

August 29, 2019 PA · Coal section foreman, bullgang foreman, labor foreman, leadman, shift boss Fatality · FALL OF FACE/RIB/PILLAR/SIDE/HIGHWALL
Consol Pennsylvania Coal Company LLC · Struck by rolling or sliding object

The employee was walking off the face at the G1HG longwall section. As employee passed the head gate drive, the previously bolted and meshed rib unexpectedly failed and the material struck employee resulting crushing type injuries.

December 11, 2018 AL · Coal front-end loader, scraper-loader operator, pan operator, payloader, scraper rig operator Fatality · FALL OF FACE/RIB/PILLAR/SIDE/HIGHWALL
Cedar Lake Mining, Inc. · Struck by falling object

Victim was operating front-end loader in coal pit area, when a highwall failure occurred, covering the front-end loader completely.

February 6, 2018 WV · Coal electrician, lineman Fatality · FALL OF FACE/RIB/PILLAR/SIDE/HIGHWALL
Wolf Run Mining LLC · Struck by rolling or sliding object

The victim was servicing/working on the C/M around the scrubber motor area when a piece of the coal rib measuring approx. 3'L x 2'H x 15"T rolled out crushing the victim against the machine.

September 28, 2017 WY · Coal longwall operator, chock operator, shear operator, plow operator Fatality · FALL OF FACE/RIB/PILLAR/SIDE/HIGHWALL
Bridger Coal Company · Struck by falling object

On September 28, 2017, employee was helping in the roof bolting activities on the longwall face. During this activity, coal came from the longwall face fatally injuring the employee.

March 30, 2017 KY · Coal auger operator, auger crew supervisor Fatality · FALL OF FACE/RIB/PILLAR/SIDE/HIGHWALL
Green Hill Mining Inc · Struck by falling object

While changing work cutter head bits on the coal auger machine, ee was struck by a rock approx 4 feet by 5 feet by 30 inches that fell from the bottom section of the highwall. EE was pronounced deceased at the scene.

January 25, 2017 IA · Metal/Non-Metal truck driver Fatality · FALL OF FACE/RIB/PILLAR/SIDE/HIGHWALL
Linwood Mining and Minerals Corporation · Caught in, under or between collapsing material or buildings

EE was reported missing and was later discovered under a rib failure several hours later. The miner was found in an abandoned section of the mine beyond a barricade berm, along the top of a 20 foot high, waste material spoil pile. The victim was recovered on 1/26/17 at approximately 3:30am. and officially pronounce dead by the local medical examiner.

July 25, 2016 TN · Metal/Non-Metal rotary bucket excavator operator Fatality · FALL OF FACE/RIB/PILLAR/SIDE/HIGHWALL
Vulcan Construction Materials, LLC · Struck by falling object

The injured employee was working in the North East corner of the pit loading shot rock. While waiting for the haul truck to return to the muck pile, the excavator was struck by several large rocks. No one witnessed the accident. The haul truck driver discovered the accident scene and rescue/recovery efforts begun. The excavator operator was fatally injured.

March 25, 2016 KY · Coal examiner, fire boss, pre-shift examiner, mine examiner Fatality · FALL OF FACE/RIB/PILLAR/SIDE/HIGHWALL
Lone Mountain Processing LLC · Struck by rolling or sliding object

While workers were cleaning up material that was removed from a new coal transfer borehole using a continuous miner, a section of rib/brow fell from the inby portion of the entry and continued outby pulling rib bolts. The material rolled down the rib and struck the miner operator causing fatal crushing injuries to chest and abdomen.

March 16, 2015 VA · Coal section foreman, bullgang foreman, labor foreman, leadman, shift boss Fatality · FALL OF FACE/RIB/PILLAR/SIDE/HIGHWALL
Paramont Coal Company Virginia LLC · Struck by falling object

Employee was in the process of conducting his pre-shift exam on the section when he was found by another miner. He was pinned between a fallen rib and shuttle car that had been parked in the crosscut. The incident was not witnessed. Material that dislodged from the rib appeared to have struck the foreman on the right side of his body which resulted in fatal injuries.

March 8, 2015 WV · Coal assistant mine foreman, assistant mine manager Fatality · FALL OF FACE/RIB/PILLAR/SIDE/HIGHWALL
McElroy Coal Company · Struck by falling object

The 12 East longwall had mined out of seam from 3-10 shield. Shield tip to face had been roof bolted so the coal floor could be removed. The victim was standing with his back to the face. A rib struck the victim measuring 12' long by 4' wide by 1' thick. The victim was a trained and experienced longwall supervisor. The roof control and protective equipment were compliant.

October 7, 2014 WV · Coal front-end loader, scraper-loader operator, pan operator, payloader, scraper rig operator Fatality · FALL OF FACE/RIB/PILLAR/SIDE/HIGHWALL
Commonwealth Mining LLC · Struck by falling object

Employee apparently entered into highwall miner hole in an attempt to retrieve a cutter chain. While at the chain, the employee was struck by rock from roof.

May 12, 2014 WV · Coal roof bolter, rock bolter, pinner, mobile roof support operator (mrs) Fatality · FALL OF FACE/RIB/PILLAR/SIDE/HIGHWALL
Brody Mining LLC · Struck by falling object

On 5/12/14 an event occurred at this mine which resulted in the entrapment of two (2) miners. Upon subsequent recovery it was determined that both miners had perished. The injured were fatally struck by coal/rock. An investigation is on-going. The causes are unknown.

May 12, 2014 WV · Coal continuous miner operator, coal mole operator Fatality · FALL OF FACE/RIB/PILLAR/SIDE/HIGHWALL
Brody Mining LLC · Struck by falling object

On 5/12/14 an event occurred at this mine which resulted in the entrapment of two (2) miners. Upon subsequent recovery it was determined that both miners had perished. The injured were fatally struck by coal/rock. An investigation is on-going. The causes are unknown.

April 11, 2014 MO · Metal/Non-Metal laborer, bull gang, faceman, parts runner, roustabout, roof trimmer/scaler Fatality · FALL OF FACE/RIB/PILLAR/SIDE/HIGHWALL
MLC · Fall from machine

The employees were scaling from a man basket on a boom truck when large slabs struck the boom causing it to separate from the truck.

April 11, 2014 MO · Metal/Non-Metal laborer, bull gang, faceman, parts runner, roustabout, roof trimmer/scaler Fatality · FALL OF FACE/RIB/PILLAR/SIDE/HIGHWALL
MLC · Fall from machine

Employee was scaling from a man basket on a boom truck when large slabs of rock struck the boom causing it to separate from the boom.

November 4, 2013 IL · Coal section foreman, bullgang foreman, labor foreman, leadman, shift boss Fatality · FALL OF FACE/RIB/PILLAR/SIDE/HIGHWALL
M-Class Mining LLC · Struck by falling object

Employee was shoveling coal into the Longwall pan line. A piece of coal fell from the face striking the employee. Employee was standing under shield #123 on the Longwall face at the time of the accident.

August 6, 2013 KY · Coal continuous miner operator, coal mole operator Fatality · FALL OF FACE/RIB/PILLAR/SIDE/HIGHWALL
Lone Mountain Processing LLC · Struck by flying object

While conducting retreat mining on 6-Left Panel off B-4 Mains, a coal/rock outburst occurred inby break #35. The outburst involved the continuous miner operator who suffered fatal blunt force injuries to his head, chest, and legs.

January 7, 2013 KY · Metal/Non-Metal assistant mine foreman, assistant mine manager Fatality · FALL OF FACE/RIB/PILLAR/SIDE/HIGHWALL
Lafarge West, Inc · Struck by falling object

While retrieving samples from quarry face, employee was struck on left shoulder by a rock, resulting in fractures.

June 25, 2012 KY · Coal bull gang foreman, labor foreman, leadman, section foreman, shift boss Fatality · FALL OF FACE/RIB/PILLAR/SIDE/HIGHWALL
McCoy Elkhorn Coal Corp. · Struck by falling object

EE WAS SETTING A TIMBER ALONG THE RIB WHEN THE RIB ROLLED OFF AND STRUCK HIM, TRAPPING HIM UNDERNEATH THE RIB, RESULTING IN FATAL INJURIES. THE TOTAL RIB ROLL WAS APPROXIMATELY 26'LONG x 8' HIGH x 18" THICK. ACCIDENT WAS REPORTED TO MSHA HOT LINE ON THE DAY OF THE ACCIDENT.

March 20, 2012 MT · Metal/Non-Metal bulldozer operator, universal operator, heavy equipment operator, operating engineer Fatality · FALL OF FACE/RIB/PILLAR/SIDE/HIGHWALL
Blue Ice Sapphire Mining, Inc. · Struck by falling object

This accident has already been investigated by MSHA. The victim was found approximately 250 feet inside the mine. He was working alone and had been struck by a fall of rib.

March 10, 2012 WV · Coal bull gang foreman, labor foreman, leadman, section foreman, shift boss Fatality · FALL OF FACE/RIB/PILLAR/SIDE/HIGHWALL
Kingston Mining, Inc. · Struck by falling object

There were no witnesses to the event. Victim was found near a rib that had rolled and was not responsive. When found, crew members responded & performed CPR & transported the injured to the surface. The rib portion near the victim was approximately 32" wide - 82" long - and 0-8" in thickness.

February 14, 2012 AL · Metal/Non-Metal superintendent Fatality · FALL OF FACE/RIB/PILLAR/SIDE/HIGHWALL
Rare Red Rock · Caught in, under or between collapsing material or buildings

The victim was operating an excavator with a rock breaker attachment. He was scaling rock from the highwall face when the face fell onto the cab of excavator crushing him.

October 28, 2011 KY · Coal blaster, shooter, shotfirer, explosive worker, powder gang/monkey Fatality · FALL OF FACE/RIB/PILLAR/SIDE/HIGHWALL
Armstrong Coal Company, Inc. · Struck by falling object

Two employees were in route to begin shift loading holes in #11 Pit. As they traveled into the West end of this pit and attempted to drive up ramp onto work area the highwall collapsed resulting in death to both employees.

October 28, 2011 KY · Coal blaster, shooter, shotfirer, explosive worker, powder gang/monkey Fatality · FALL OF FACE/RIB/PILLAR/SIDE/HIGHWALL
Armstrong Coal Company, Inc. · Struck by falling object

Two employees were in route to begin shift loading holes in #11 Pit. As they traveled into the West end of this pit and attempted to drive up ramp onto work area the highwall collapsed resulting in death to both employees.

June 29, 2011 KY · Coal laborer, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, roof trimmer/scaler Fatality · FALL OF FACE/RIB/PILLAR/SIDE/HIGHWALL
Manalapan Mining Co., Inc. · Struck by falling object

Employee was watching the cable on the dolly when the rib rolled off crushing him. Rib measured approximately 82 by 36 by 11 inches.

June 27, 2011 WV · Coal bull gang foreman, labor foreman, leadman, section foreman, shift boss Fatality · FALL OF FACE/RIB/PILLAR/SIDE/HIGHWALL
Rhino Eastern LLC · Struck by falling object

Victim was cleaning rocks and coal to set timbers along a rib line. The rib and brow fell crushing the miner. The brow measured approximately 100" long by 32" thick, by 37" tall.

June 16, 2010 KY · Coal bull gang foreman, labor foreman, leadman, section foreman, shift boss Fatality · FALL OF FACE/RIB/PILLAR/SIDE/HIGHWALL
Lone Mountain Processing LLC · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

While directing activities to re-support ribs in an intersection, a rib roll struck a standing roof support which in turn struck the foreman in the head causing fatal injuries.

May 26, 2010 UT · Metal/Non-Metal shuttle car operator, mantrip operator, ramcar operator, rail runner, buggy operator Fatality · FALL OF FACE/RIB/PILLAR/SIDE/HIGHWALL
Denison Mines (USA) Corp. · Struck by falling object

Blasted drift and was ready for baring down and mucking. Unknown cause of death at this time. The victim was hand scaling the north rib of the left 4500 drift when loose material fell on him.

January 22, 2010 KY · Coal continuous miner operator, coal mole operator Fatality · FALL OF FACE/RIB/PILLAR/SIDE/HIGHWALL
Bledsoe Coal Corporation · Struck by falling object

Injury was cleaning gob in 3 left with continous miner, he started backing out of crosscut when corner of rib rolled off on him receiving a fatal injury to his upper torso. Size of rib striking he was approx. 4'L x 36"W x 16" thick.

January 12, 2008 TX · Coal coal/ore shovel operator, shoveler, power shoveler Fatality · FALL OF FACE/RIB/PILLAR/SIDE/HIGHWALL
Luminant Mining Company LLC · Struck by falling object

Employee exited the Hitachi Shovel and placed himself between the shovel and highwall. While on the ground between the shovel and highwall, the highwall sloughed and pinned the employee against the track of the machine resulting in a fatality.

August 16, 2007 UT · Coal bull gang foreman, labor foreman, leadman, section foreman, shift boss Fatality · FALL OF FACE/RIB/PILLAR/SIDE/HIGHWALL
Genwal Resources Inc · Struck by flying object

On Thursday, August 16, 2007 an outburst occurred during rescue work on the Main West Panel. The outburst occurred in the No. 1 entry inby crosscut 126. Rescue work was ongoing to remove coal and debris which had filled the No. 1 entry during an outburst that occurred on August 6, 2007.

August 16, 2007 UT · Coal bull gang foreman, labor foreman, leadman, section foreman, shift boss Fatality · FALL OF FACE/RIB/PILLAR/SIDE/HIGHWALL
Genwal Resources Inc · Struck by flying object

On Thursday, August 16, 2007 an outburst occurred during rescue work on the Main West Panel. The outburst occurred in the No. 1 entry inby crosscut 126. Rescue work was ongoing to remove coal and debris which had filled the No. 1 entry during an outburst that occurred on August 6, 2007.

August 16, 2007 UT · Coal inspector Fatality · FALL OF FACE/RIB/PILLAR/SIDE/HIGHWALL
Genwal Resources Inc · Struck by flying object

On Thursday August 16, 2007 an outburst occurred during rescue work on the Main West panel. The outburst occurred in the No. 1 entry inby crosscut #126. Rescue work was ongoing to remove coal and debris which had filled the No. 1 entry during an outburst that occurred on August 6, 2007.

August 6, 2007 UT · Coal shuttle car operator, mantrip operator, ramcar operator, rail runner, buggy operator Fatality · FALL OF FACE/RIB/PILLAR/SIDE/HIGHWALL
Genwal Resources Inc · Struck by flying object

On August 6, 2007 at 2:50 am a bounce/outburst occurred at the Crandall Canyon Mine. It affected the current mining location in the South Barrier of West Mains extending outby to approx. X/C 119. The outburst affected all 4 entries and rescue operations were begun immediately. Rescue operations to reach the miners were unsuccessful.

August 6, 2007 UT · Coal continuous miner operator, coal mole operator Fatality · FALL OF FACE/RIB/PILLAR/SIDE/HIGHWALL
Genwal Resources Inc · Struck by flying object

On August 6, 2007 at 2:50 am a bounce/outburst occurred at the Crandall Canyon Mine. It affected the current mining location in the South Barrier of West Mains extending outby to approx. X/C 119. The outburst affected all 4 entries and rescue operations were begun immediately. Rescue operations to reach the miners were unsuccessful.

August 6, 2007 UT · Coal apprentice, trainee Fatality · FALL OF FACE/RIB/PILLAR/SIDE/HIGHWALL
Genwal Resources Inc · Struck by flying object

On August 6, 2007 at 2:50 am a bounce/outburst occurred at the Crandall Canyon Mine. It affected the current mining location in the South Barrier of West Mains extending outby to approx. X/C 119. The outburst affected all 4 entries and rescue operations were begun immediately. Rescue operations to reach the miners were unsuccessful.

August 6, 2007 UT · Coal roof bolter, rock bolter, pinner, mobile roof support operator (mrs) Fatality · FALL OF FACE/RIB/PILLAR/SIDE/HIGHWALL
Genwal Resources Inc · Struck by flying object

On August 6, 2007 at 2:50 am a bounce/outburst occurred at the Crandall Canyon Mine. It affected the current mining location in the South Barrier of West Mains extending outby to approx. X/C 119. The outburst affected all 4 entries and rescue operations were begun immediately. Rescue operations to reach the miners were unsuccessful.

Showing 50 of 72