Mining Incidents

Search the record

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

Alert me on this search

Email me when a new incident matches these filters. One confirmation email; unsubscribe anytime.

The record

74 matching records

Showing 50 of 74
March 16, 2026 SD · Metal/Non-Metal electrician, lineman HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
GCC Dacotah Inc · Struck by flying object

The miner was moving a new wire reel to power the hoist. Miner was using a socket to remove a bolt when the socket slipped and hit the miner in the mouth. The bottom of the miner's two front teeth was chipped off.

February 20, 2026 CO · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
GCC Rio Grande Inc · Struck by flying object

Was Changing support rollers on 57101 Clinker Pan conveyor. Was using standard steel 3lb sledgehammer to drive the rollers into the bracket on the pan. The hammer glanced off the end of the roller and struck the heat-treated flange of the roller causing a shard of steel to break off and lodge in leg. The employee was taken to clinic and released back to work with no restrictions.

December 5, 2025 CO · Metal/Non-Metal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
GCC Rio Grande Inc · Struck by flying object

Miner was cleaning the tower using a bar and a sledgehammer. Miner hit the bar with a hammer; a piece of metal broke off and flew into the miner's eye.

October 7, 2025 SD · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
GCC Dacotah Inc · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Miner was replacing rear belt skirting. After removing the old skirting, the miner used it to trace and cut a new piece. As the affected miner was starting to cut the new piece, the knife slipped and embedded itself about an inch into their leg. The miner was taken to urgent care, where they received four stitches just above the knee.

June 25, 2025 SD · Metal/Non-Metal silo operator, bin puller, truck loader HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
GCC Dacotah Inc · Over-exertion in pulling or pushing objects

The employee chose a 4-foot pry bar instead of a 6-foot pry bar to open a valve on a silo pump. The employee strained and felt a pop in their shoulder.

May 7, 2025 MT · Metal/Non-Metal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
GCC Trident LLC · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

On 5/7/2025, an employee was injured while attempting to remove an Easy Skirt from the Feed Belt of Finish Mill #4. The worker was using a pry bar to detach the skirting from its mounting plate. During the task, the bar slipped while being forced downward, and the sharp end punctured the employee's right palm. The injury required medical attention, including three stitches.

April 24, 2025 SD · Metal/Non-Metal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
GCC Dacotah Inc · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

The employee was tightening bolts and aligning a motor on a compressor. EE felt fine during EE's shift but felt discomfort 27 hours later, after driving 5 hours on personal time. EE felt discomfort in EE's right rib area. The injury is still under investigation to determine whether it is work-related or not.

April 10, 2025 MT · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
GCC Trident LLC · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

An employee sustained an injury to left thumb. The injury occurred when employee was using a pry bar to remove a rock lodged between the conveyor belt and its supporting structure.

January 13, 2025 CO · Coal electrician, lineman HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
GCC Energy LLC · Struck by flying object

Employee lifted a new cutting blade into place on the continuous miner gathering head to weld. A floor jack was used to pressure it into place. The jack extension was side loaded not center loaded causing it to break free, flying out and hitting the employee above the right eye. The extension cut through the right eyebrow onto the eye lid. It required 6 stitches to close it up.

November 15, 2024 TX · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
GCC Permian · Struck by flying object

EE was replacing a wheel on the pan conveyor and wheel needed to be realigned to remove. EE hit the wheel with a hammer and a metal piece fractured off the hammer and hit the EE in the chest. EE was taken to urgent care where they were able to remove the metal piece and stitch up the puncture.

September 15, 2024 SD · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
GCC Dacotah Inc · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Miner was adjusting a belt scraper using an adjustable wrench. The wrench slipped off the scraper with a lot of force and hit the miner in the mouth.

June 25, 2024 TX · Metal/Non-Metal carpenter HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
GCC Permian · Struck against stationary object

Employee was holding a piece of rebar vertically with left hand to drive into ground. Employee was holding a sledgehammer with their right hand, chocked up to the head. As they were hitting the rebar, they missed and smashed the right index finger between the handle and the top of the rebar.

May 3, 2024 MT · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
GCC Trident LLC · Struck by flying object

Miner struck mill liner with sledge hammer. A piece of metal chipped off the liner and struck miner in the right leg just below the knee, embedding itself approximately 2" into the leg.

March 18, 2024 MT · Metal/Non-Metal bulldozer operator, universal operator, heavy equipment operator, operating engineer HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
GCC Trident LLC · Struck by falling object

A softball sized rock broke loose from the screen side opening and fell onto the miner's hand while the miner was barring into the oversize chute resulting in a broken pinky finger.

October 9, 2023 CO · Metal/Non-Metal miner, prospector, nec HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
GCC Rio Grande Inc · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

EE was trying to clear out a port on the tower with a bar. EE hit the material twice and on the third time the material fell from the wall of the riser, the momentum of them pushing caused their finger to get pinched between the tab on the bar and the port on the riser.

June 28, 2023 SD · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
GCC Dacotah Inc · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE was barring/removing consolidated material from the #5 Finish Mill Lime-Stone Feeder. The bar slipped causing EE's hand to contact the corner of the feeder. The fingernail was caught and peeled off within EE's glove. EE was treated at an Urgent Care facility where the wound was sutured, cleaned and bandaged. EE returned to work on the next shift without restrictions.

June 24, 2023 CO · Metal/Non-Metal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
GCC Rio Grande Inc · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

Miner was using a bar to clean buildup inside of preheat tower. A large chunk of material broke free hitting the edge of the bar causing the end that the miner was holding to lurch up pinching EE's index finger against the metal frame of the tower.

July 26, 2022 MT · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
GCC Trident LLC · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was making a gasket with gum rubber and was cutting the pattern with a utility knife on a table in the carpenter shop. When the knife caught on the material and more pressure was applied, the blade came free and went across the glove on the left thumb. Which resulted in employee's thumb being cut requiring 3 stitches.

January 12, 2022 NM · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
GCC Sun City Materials LLC · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

The employee was pulling on a strap that was wrapped around a cribbing block supporting the belly pan of a piece of equipment.

January 2, 2022 SD · Metal/Non-Metal car trimmer, car loader, bin puller, truck loader HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
GCC Dacotah Inc · Over-exertion in wielding or throwing objects

Employee was using a small sledge hammer to beat material out of bin bottom. At times, employee was swinging in a back handed manner. Felt muscle soreness later in shift. Monday evening employee was feeling numbness/tingling in fingers and zingers in left arm originating at the elbow. Employee was seen by physician and placed on modified work duties.

June 19, 2021 CO · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
GCC Rio Grande Inc · Over-exertion in wielding or throwing objects

Swinging sledge hammer to open slide gate.

October 29, 2020 TX · Metal/Non-Metal crusher attendant/operator, pan feeder operator/worker HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
GCC Sun City Materials LLC · Struck by falling object

Employee was using a pry bar to pry out some rocks that got jammed up on the jaw crusher hopper, and when doing so a rock fell onto EE's hand and lacerated EE's left hand ring finger.

July 23, 2020 CO · Coal laborer, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, roof trimmer/scaler HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
GCC Energy LLC · Struck against stationary object

Installing a pony belt-drive at a new location. EE was choked up on a sledge hammer tightening a large wedge on top of cribs in the center of the drive, the rib was 30" away. EE swung the sledge striking the wedge, the handle bounced back striking EE's left little finger against the frame of the drive, causing a laceration.

January 28, 2020 SD · Metal/Non-Metal quality control technician, laboratory technician, laboratory assistant HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
GCC Dacotah Inc · Struck against stationary object

Employee was tightening a flange with adjustable wrenches when one of the wrenches slipped off the bolt and EE's hand hit the valve actuator jarring EE's wrist and hand. EE did not originally report until 1/29/20, at which time EE was sent to urgent care to get looked at and was released with restrictions.

January 7, 2020 SD · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
GCC Dacotah Inc · Over-exertion in wielding or throwing objects

Employee was working in an awkward position in the Feed Shute, swinging a sledge hammer to dislodge a liner when EE felt a sharp, shooting pain in the right shoulder. EE did not report the injury right away as EE thought they were o.k., however EE ended up going to the doctor and started physical therapy on 1/24/2020.

August 26, 2019 NM · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
GCC Rio Grande, Inc. · Struck by flying object

Team was attempting to seat the elevator take up sprockets back into the chain. The take up was stuck and the employee attempted to free it by striking it with a sledgehammer which accidently struck the hardened tooth and a piece broke free penetrating their left thigh. Employee was taken to Concentra and redirected to Urgent Care.

May 9, 2019 CO · Coal beltman, conveyor man, conveyor belt worker, mobile bridge carrierman, feeder operator, conveyor rider HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
GCC Energy LLC · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Cutting belt with utility knife, cutting towards self and cut left hand.

February 22, 2019 NM · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
GCC Sun City Materials LLC · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

Employee caught hand in the wing pulley while prying a rock out that was entangled between the belt and the pulley. The belt moved backward when the rock was removed due to not having a backstop. The employees ring finger was partially amputated and the pinky finger reconstructed.

August 28, 2018 TX · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
GCC Sun City Materials LLC · Struck against stationary object

Employee was removing the bolt on a loader when the bolt made contact with the employees finger causing a laceration that required 9 stitches to close.

June 6, 2018 SD · Metal/Non-Metal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
GCC Dacotah Inc · Struck against stationary object

Employee was swinging a twelve pound sledge hammer to get rebar into position. The employee had hands choked up on the handle near the head of the hammer. When the employee swung the hammer, ee missed the rebar striking the rebar with finger between the handle and rebar causing a broken finger bone and a small laceration.

May 4, 2018 SD · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
GCC Dacotah Inc · Struck by flying object

Utilizing a bar to tighten clamps between pump and bottom of silo. When employee let up on the bar the clamp snapped and bar hit chin.

March 22, 2018 CO · Metal/Non-Metal bulldozer operator, universal operator, heavy equipment operator, operating engineer HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
GCC Rio Grande Inc · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was using a box knife for non-task related reasons. As employee was trying to cut away a zipper out of jacket with the box knife, it slipped and cut finger.

February 28, 2018 SD · Metal/Non-Metal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
GCC Dacotah Inc · Struck against stationary object

Employee was sweeping and backed up and hit EE's elbow on the stairway. Talked with a nurse but did not seek medical attention until 3/13/2018. An MRI was schedule and medical release was given on 3/28/2018. Employee will be required to wear a splint while working EE's regular job.

October 31, 2017 SD · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
GCC Dacotah Inc · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was installing the Christmas star and the wrench slipped and hit ee on the forehead causing a cut.

May 11, 2017 SD · Metal/Non-Metal plumber, pipefitter, millwright HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
GCC Dacotah Inc · Struck by flying object

EE was removing mill liners, with a large hammer, and a piece of metal struck EE in the lower left calf muscle causing a first aid. EE said they were ok. That night when at home the EE called supervisor about 9 PM and said they would like to see a doctor, supervisor transported EE to Rapid City SD. Hospital for treatment. The doctor released EE to work next shift.

September 22, 2016 NM · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
GCC Rio Grande, Inc. · Struck by flying object

While work on #2 Coal Mill using chain hoist to pull motors back in place to tighten belts EE picked up the chain hoist and pulled on it. The chain flew toward EE's right foot and the chain hook struck right behind the steal toe and injured EE's foot little toe.

May 2, 2016 NM · Metal/Non-Metal electrician, lineman HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
GCC Rio Grande, Inc. · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

While cleaning probe, employee tried to hold the probe in position but other employee hit injured employee's ring finger with the sledge hammer.

November 17, 2015 NM · Metal/Non-Metal bulldozer operator, universal operator, heavy equipment operator, operating engineer HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
GCC Rio Grande, Inc. · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

Employee was using a digging bar to clear a chute that was plugged. His middle finger was caught between the digging bar and a piece of metal part of the chute and caused my finger to break open in two places.

October 15, 2015 NM · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
GCC Rio Grande, Inc. · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

I went to cut back the North side skirting with the scissors and was not able to do it. I needed my left hand to cut the skirting. The pain in my right wrist was too bad.

September 11, 2015 SD · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
GCC Dacotah Inc · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

Changing an air cylinder on the west load out for the trucks, the cylinder was off but when trying to line up the cylinder with the slide with a wrench, the cylinder shot forward and pinched my left hand causing a deep cut.

July 1, 2015 NM · Metal/Non-Metal miner, prospector, nec HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
GCC Rio Grande, Inc. · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

This is a re-occurance of a previous injury. Employee had been released to return to full duty. Employee was tightening a bolt with a wrench and felt a sharp pain in his left elbow. When he went to lift the blade, he felt a severe sharp pain in the left elbow. Employee has been on restricted duty since July 3, 2015, but has been at work doing light duty.

May 27, 2015 SD · Metal/Non-Metal outside foreman, leadman HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
GCC Dacotah Inc · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

Helping to uncoupling the drill steel with a pipe wrench. The pipe was rotated before I was able to get my hand out of the way. Smashed my finger between the pipe and wrench.

November 7, 2014 CO · Coal continuous miner operator, coal mole operator HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
GCC Energy LLC · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was helping to repair a miner cable when he cut his left leg with a utility knife.

August 11, 2014 SD · Metal/Non-Metal utility man, shift tech, service/dump truck operator HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
GCC Dacotah Inc · Struck against stationary object

Employee states he was changing tools on the excavator. He was using a wrench to release the tools. Wrench slipped and off the head of the bolt and his right hand hit the boom of the excavator.

July 14, 2014 NM · Metal/Non-Metal bulldozer operator, universal operator, heavy equipment operator, operating engineer HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
GCC Rio Grande, Inc. · Over-exertion in wielding or throwing objects

Employee sprained his left wrist while using a sledge hammer for a starvation on #22 gyp feeder. He was put on restrictions 10/6/14.

June 30, 2014 CO · Coal laborer, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, roof trimmer/scaler HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
GCC Energy LLC · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was using a knife and cut right leg above knee, requiring 4 stitches.

January 10, 2014 CO · Coal electrician, lineman HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
GCC Energy LLC · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was performing a splice on the shuttle car cable when the utility knife he was using contacted his left index finger causing a laceration requiring stitches.

August 2, 2013 SD · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
GCC Dacotah Inc · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

Moving the fan wheel with pipe and caught hand between handrail and pipe and pinched it.

June 10, 2013 SD · Metal/Non-Metal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
GCC Dacotah Inc · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Pipe wrench slipped off the stuck roller on the chain. Employee jerked back and felt a pop and instant pain.

Showing 50 of 74