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

166 matching records

Showing 50 of 166
May 20, 2026 AZ · Metal/Non-Metal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Freeport-McMoRan Sierrita Ops. · Fall to the walkway or working surface

The employee met with supervisors in a parking lot on the east side of the building. After the conversation, EE turned to walk back to the office and tripped over a wheel chock (angle iron) because EE did not fully clear it. EE fell onto EE's right knee and elbow. EE was wearing steel-toe boots, and no other PPE was involved.

January 2, 2026 AZ · Metal/Non-Metal miner, prospector, nec SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Freeport-McMoRan Sierrita Ops. · Fall from scaffolds, walkways, platforms

While climbing a pipe crossover, the individual's hands slipped from the handrail, causing a fall to the ground where they impacted their shoulder and elbow.

December 22, 2025 AZ · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Freeport-McMoRan Sierrita Ops. · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

While walking the third floor of the secondary crusher area, the employee reported stepping on an uneven surface and subsequently experienced a sensation in the left leg.

June 29, 2025 AZ · Metal/Non-Metal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Freeport-McMoRan Sierrita Ops. · Fall from machine

EE was dismounting a haul truck from night shift. EE was on the lower platform of the truck when EE's backpack became hung up on the handrail. As EE was trying to free the backpack, EE lost EE's footing and fell to the ground. EE sustained a laceration to EE's face and soreness in EE's neck. EE received 13 stitches and was taken off work.

June 16, 2025 AZ · Metal/Non-Metal clerk, timekeeper, office worker, director of sales SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Freeport-McMoRan Sierrita Ops. · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE was providing a site tour to auditors. EE was walking out of the man van and twisted an ankle without feeling pain. EE notified supervisor was treated and released. On 8/13/2025 they were diagnosed with a nondisplaced microtrbecular fracture. EE was also issued PT.

April 30, 2025 AZ · Metal/Non-Metal crusher attendant/operator, pan feeder operator/worker SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Freeport-McMoRan Sierrita Ops. · Fall from machine

EE was getting off a dump truck. As they stepped back, they slipped on mud from the top step. As they landed, they rolled their left ankle. EE sustained a sprain to an ankle. EE was issued restrictions.

March 18, 2025 AZ · Metal/Non-Metal electrician, lineman SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Freeport-McMoRan Sierrita Ops. · Fall down stairs

EE was inspecting #2 drying air compressor. After they inspected the equipment, they stepped back off the concrete pad & their foot missed the lower step. Their foot caught a wood plank which gave way. They stumbled and fell to the ground. They reached back to brace their fall & injured left shoulder. They felt & heard a pop. Employee was issued restrictions.

November 5, 2024 AZ · Metal/Non-Metal water circuit operator, slurry operator, mix operator, pump operator worker SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Freeport-McMoRan Sierrita Ops. · Fall onto or against objects

While the employee was preparing emulsion in the rear of a slurry truck, a coworker called for their attention. As the employee descended the stairs and began walking towards the coworker, they did not notice a 2-inch load hose lying on the ground. This resulted in them tripping over the hose and sustaining a fracture to their right ankle.

May 16, 2024 AZ · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Freeport-McMoRan Sierrita Ops. · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE was headed to the basement area of the tankhouse to check up on the cell repair. On the bottom of the stairwell, EE mis-judged the landing and stepped down on EE's right foot. EE lost EE's balance and landed with EE's full weight on EE's right leg. EE was issued restrictions.

April 22, 2024 AZ · Metal/Non-Metal mine manager, mine foreman, mine owner SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Freeport-McMoRan Sierrita Ops. · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was coming off scaffolding and missed bottom 2nd step and twisted wrist. Employee checked wrist, moved it around and it felt okay. Employee mentioned root cause was missed step.

February 11, 2024 AZ · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Freeport-McMoRan Sierrita Ops. · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE was walking away from the truck when EE slipped and caught self on the truck. EE slipped near the 57 screw conveyor. EE began to feel discomfort to their lower back. EE was issued restrictions.

October 24, 2023 AZ · Metal/Non-Metal drill operator SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Freeport-McMoRan Sierrita Ops. · Fall to the walkway or working surface

Driller had exited the drill to put up drill stakes to mark the holes EE had drilled. EE was walking to the left of the cab and fell into an unmarked drill hole that had no cutting around it. EE's left leg went into the hole and made EE fall to the ground. EE sustained a fracture to EE's ankle. EE was taken off work.

July 5, 2023 AZ · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Freeport-McMoRan Sierrita Ops. · Fall to the walkway or working surface

EE and crew were stripping back 2" stringers on the W2 leach field. The EE slipped and tried to catch their balance and slipped a second time and fell, hurting their ankle and upper foot area. EE was taken to the clinic and was issued restrictions. Was taken off work.

July 3, 2023 AZ · Metal/Non-Metal mechanic helper SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Freeport-McMoRan Sierrita Ops. · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE was dismounting a forklift and using three points of contact. EE stepped wrong as EE touched the ground and rolled ankle. EE was taken to clinic and issued restrictions.

June 12, 2023 AZ · Metal/Non-Metal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Freeport-McMoRan Sierrita Ops. · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE was walking on the truck deck when EE slipped on the catwalk and sprained ankle. EE was issued restrictions.

May 1, 2023 AZ · Metal/Non-Metal crusher attendant/operator, pan feeder operator/worker SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Freeport-McMoRan Sierrita Ops. · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE was coming out of the man-elevator and stepped off of the step. They rolled their right ankle. Employee fell to the ground. Ankle began swelling. Employee was taken to the clinic and placed on restrictions.

December 20, 2022 AZ · Metal/Non-Metal electrician, lineman SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Freeport-McMoRan Sierrita Ops. · Fall to the walkway or working surface

EE was called to the 45 shovel. EE got clearance and began to approach the shovel. As EE was walking towards the boarding ladder on the right side EE lost EE's footing and fell forward, hitting EE's head and falling on EE's right elbow/arm. On 12/21/22 EE was issued restrictions.

October 9, 2022 AZ · Metal/Non-Metal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Freeport-McMoRan Sierrita Ops. · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee slipped on the walking surface and rolled ankle

September 25, 2022 AZ · Metal/Non-Metal water truck operator SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Freeport-McMoRan Sierrita Ops. · Struck by falling object

Injured employee jumped from a water truck cab onto the roadway below breaking their ankle and causing a laceration to the lower leg when they landed.

August 5, 2022 AZ · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Freeport-McMoRan Sierrita Ops. · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE was performing housekeeping duties at the Tailings booster containment area. EE had slipped on a patch of algae that had formed near the sump pumps. EE sustained an injury to the left knee. On August 6th EE was issued restrictions.

July 13, 2022 AZ · Metal/Non-Metal prep plant foreman, supervisor, mill plant supervisor, kiln supervisor SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Freeport-McMoRan Sierrita Ops. · Absorption of radiations, caustics, toxic and noxious substances

EE was attempting to close drain valve on #2 Leach vessel. EE tried to exit the area. EE's rubber boots became stuck in the moly concentrate under the vessel. EE fell forward putting hand out to break the fall. EE's feet came out of the boots & EE landed in the ferric chloride solution. It splashed EE's face, hands knees. EE crawled 20 ft to safety shower.

July 2, 2022 AZ · Metal/Non-Metal utility man, shift tech, service/dump truck operator SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Freeport-McMoRan Sierrita Ops. · Fall to the walkway or working surface

On 7/2, ee was installing a pump at Butler substation. EE stepped over the pipe and did not see the valve. EE tripped and fell, landing on left wrist and knee. On 7/21, EE's MRI was positive for a fractured wrist. EE was issued a brace.

June 1, 2022 AZ · Metal/Non-Metal utility man, shift tech, service/dump truck operator SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Freeport-McMoRan Sierrita Ops. · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE was dismounting a water truck to fuel the truck. EE did not realize EE was not in the parking ditch all the way. The front of the truck was higher than usual. As EE stepped down as normal, EE's knee popped and hyperextended. EE was taken to the clinic and on 06/02/2022 when EE returned to the clinic EE was taken off work.

May 1, 2022 AZ · Metal/Non-Metal mechanic helper SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Freeport-McMoRan Sierrita Ops. · Fall to the walkway or working surface

EE was loading truck to start work day on fuel island. As EE was getting out of the cab of vehicle, EE stepped on rocks & a broken piece of concrete. EE twisted ankle & fell to ground hitting head. EE was taken to medical facility & sustained a fractured ankle.

October 1, 2021 AZ · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Freeport-McMoRan Sierrita Ops. · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE BOOT CAUGHT IN LAST STEP OF GRATING CAUSING EE TO ROLL ANKLE. EE WAS ISSUED RESTRICTIONS.

September 10, 2021 AZ · Metal/Non-Metal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Freeport-McMoRan Sierrita Ops. · Fall to the walkway or working surface

EE was conducting a WPE of the XS leach pad when EE stepped out of the truck and onto a rock. This caused the EE to roll their ankle & fall to the ground. After getting back in the truck EE stated that EE was in pain. EE was taken to clinic & diagnosed w/fracture to fibula. EE was taken off work.

August 19, 2021 AZ · Metal/Non-Metal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Freeport-McMoRan Sierrita Ops. · Fall onto or against objects

Employee slipped and reached out to steady self causing a wrist sprain.

June 25, 2021 AZ · Metal/Non-Metal electrician, lineman SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Freeport-McMoRan Sierrita Ops. · Fall to the walkway or working surface

EE was walking behind the secondary crusher and had reached down to remove wheel chocks. EE fell down injuring lower lumbar, right hip and left shoulder. Medical assistance was called and the EE was transported to a hospital for treatment.

February 20, 2021 AZ · Metal/Non-Metal safety director SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Freeport-McMoRan Sierrita Ops. · Fall to the walkway or working surface

EE was walking down a dirt ramp when their right foot lost traction causing the EE to slip. EE attempted to break their fall by putting their right hand out to the side. EE made contact with the ground and sprained wrist. EE was issued restrictions.

February 13, 2021 AZ · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Freeport-McMoRan Sierrita Ops. · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE was assisting in cleaning area in the center sump. EE began talking with another employee. A metal covering plate became dislodged and the EE fell into the hole as EE stepped on it. EE's foot fell in hole and twisted EE's ankle.

February 3, 2021 AZ · Metal/Non-Metal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Freeport-McMoRan Sierrita Ops. · Fall onto or against objects

EE was removing a ladder from an empty cell on top of the cell line. When they turned around to move the EE slipped on one of the bars on the adjacent cell. Their leg came into contact with the concrete cell wall. EE scraped their leg. On 2/11/2021 EE was issued restrictions for leg contusion.

December 3, 2020 AZ · Metal/Non-Metal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Freeport-McMoRan Sierrita Ops. · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

On 12/3/2020 an employee approached a pickup truck and was trying to watch EE's footing as EE was getting in the truck. EE's foot slipped and EE twisted EE's knee. On 12/04/2020 ee was seen for knee pain and was issued restrictions for knee strain.

November 20, 2020 AZ · Metal/Non-Metal bulldozer operator, universal operator, heavy equipment operator, operating engineer SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Freeport-McMoRan Sierrita Ops. · Fall to the walkway or working surface

EE was walking to the change room before shift. EE walked around the jersey barriers to avoid having to walk thru a group of Crusher personnel gathered on the walkway. EE stepped on parking lot pavement and stepped in a pothole. EE fell striking nose, mouth and knee. EE issued sutures for mouth laceration.

November 12, 2020 AZ · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Freeport-McMoRan Sierrita Ops. · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE was attempting to close a bad valve on the cyclone skid that was releasing slurry. The EE slipped on the material the valve had been releasing, causing the EE to reach out and try to catch self on the cyclone skid frame. The EE felt sharp pain in the arm. EE was issued restrictions.

October 1, 2020 AZ · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Freeport-McMoRan Sierrita Ops. · Fall to the walkway or working surface

An ee was taking tools from the locker. The ee stepped backwards and ee's foot made contact with the dolly. The ee lost balance, began to fall and twisted ankle in the process. The ee was taken to the clinic and sustained a fracture to the leg.

July 26, 2020 AZ · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Freeport-McMoRan Sierrita Ops. · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE was walking from 6 Mill Cyclone Deck to 7 Mill for EE's rounds when EE stepped with EE's left foot & felt sudden pain as EE's foot bent inwards. The grating was bad which made EE step wrong. EE was taken off work.

July 6, 2020 AZ · Metal/Non-Metal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Freeport-McMoRan Sierrita Ops. · Fall to the walkway or working surface

EE was fueling a truck when they called a supervisor stating, wasn't feeling well and was dizzy. EE fell backwards and hit head on ground. EE had contusion on head.

April 11, 2020 AZ · Metal/Non-Metal drill operator SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Freeport-McMoRan Sierrita Ops. · Fall from machine

EE was performing a pre-operational inspection on a drill when EE fell onto left shoulder. EE was taken to the clinic and given restrictions.

March 17, 2020 AZ · Metal/Non-Metal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Freeport-McMoRan Sierrita Ops. · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE was at the West Tiedown for a bathroom break. EE was descending the ladder. As EE's left leg touched the ground EE turned felt a pop in EE's left knee. EE notified supervisor & taken to the clinic for evaluation. EE sustained a meniscus injury. Was given restrictions.

January 15, 2020 AZ · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Freeport-McMoRan Sierrita Ops. · Fall down stairs

EE was using stand stop by tank 227. EE was using a shovel to remove a small piece of pipe inside of tank. EE took step back from the stand and tripped with another step behind EE. EE lost balance and fell backwards onto right side. Left boot made leg go other way.

July 16, 2019 AZ · Metal/Non-Metal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Freeport-McMoRan Sierrita Ops. · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE was coming off of night shift. EE was traveling in a van and stepped out of the man van to allow the oncoming employee to get out. When EE stepped out EE twisted & felt discomfort in back. When EE reached Room 100 EE felt pain. Was taken to clinic & issued restrictions.

July 8, 2019 AZ · Metal/Non-Metal crusher attendant/operator, pan feeder operator/worker SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Freeport-McMoRan Sierrita Ops. · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE was shoveling by the #3 Tertiary. EE sat to take a break then stood and began to walk. EE heard a pop in EE's ankle and began to experience pain. Was given restrictions.

June 12, 2019 AZ · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Freeport-McMoRan Sierrita Ops. · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE was in the T rack storage area looking for bolts. EE was walking and stepped on some uneven floor and began to feel some sharp pain in the foot. EE was sent for xrays and it revealed that they sustained a fracture to the 5th metatarsal. Placed on restrictions.

May 21, 2019 AZ · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Freeport-McMoRan Sierrita Ops. · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee sustained minor left knee strain when knee twisted while stepping off of D8 Dozer. 06-10-19 - Due to minor experience of pain in left knee, employee was taken in for further evaluation and treatment; thus assigned physical therapy.

April 10, 2019 AZ · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Freeport-McMoRan Sierrita Ops. · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE was walking up the 8B belt line conducting a scraper inspection. The ee slipped where the catwalk transitions from a walkway to a stairway. EE twisted knee. On 4/11/19 ee stated knee was swollen and could not walk. Possible tear.

February 20, 2019 AZ · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Freeport-McMoRan Sierrita Ops. · Fall from machine

On February 20th, EE was climbing down a ladder on a loader. EE missed the last rung and fell down on their side. EE has been complaining of increasing pain since the initial incident. On April 17th EE was issued Physical Therapy. Safety was not notified.

February 18, 2019 AZ · Metal/Non-Metal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Freeport-McMoRan Sierrita Ops. · Fall from machine

EE was putting lock on gate of haul truck. EE turned to walk down the stairs and lost balance. EE began to feel like ee was going to tumble down the stairs so ee launched out clearing the steps. EE landed on right side of the knee. EE sustained a distal fracture of the right femur.

January 7, 2019 AZ · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Freeport-McMoRan Sierrita Ops. · Fall onto or against objects

EE was walking down an access ramp in the pit to see the best way to pull pipe down the ramp. EE stepped on uneven ground and lost footing. EE began to fall and knees and struck a sharp rock. The contact caused a laceration to right knee. EE also sustained a contusion to left shin. EE was taken to the clinic and ee received stitches for laceration.

November 5, 2018 AZ · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Freeport-McMoRan Sierrita Ops. · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE was climbing off of a water truck ladder. As EE took last step down to the ground EE felt uneven ground and immediately grabbed for the ladder. EE felt a pop in lower back and stabbing pain. EE was taken to clinic and diagnosed with a strained back.

Showing 50 of 166