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
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The record

1,108 total records

Showing 50 of 1,108
May 11, 2026 UT · Metal/Non-Metal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver MACHINERY
Kennecott Utah Copper LLC · Struck against a moving object

At 13:00, Haul Truck 474 was being loaded by Shovel 71. During third loading pass, a large rock was loaded into the bed of the haul truck. Upon impact, the haul truck operator reported feeling pain in their right shoulder. The operator advised that the shoulder pain increased in severity. The operator then contacted the facilitator to report the issue.

May 9, 2026 UT · Metal/Non-Metal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver POWERED HAULAGE
Kennecott Utah Copper LLC · Struck against a moving object

The operator of HT487 was hauling loads out of the 98 shovel for a majority of the night. The operator believed the floor of the pit was rough and while spotting experienced some neck and back pain.

April 5, 2026 UT · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Rio Tinto Kennecott Copper · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was working down by ball mill 6 and 7 in the cyclone feed pump build up area. Employee was using the bolt for a hammer and smashed a finger.

March 26, 2026 UT · Metal/Non-Metal miner, prospector, nec SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Kennecott Utah Copper LLC · Fall onto or against objects

Operator was cleaning the operator cab windows from the drill deck, upon re-entering the cab the operator slipped on mud on the deck surface and fell at level impacting their right knee on the floor of the cab causing discomfort.

March 20, 2026 UT · Metal/Non-Metal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver FIRE
Kennecott Utah Copper LLC · Contact with hot objects or substances

At 19:20 the IP's heavy equipment caught fire. After EE's fire suppressant device failed EE opened the door to EE's vehicle, letting in the smoke before closing the door. After realizing EE should not stay in the vehicle any longer the IP evacuated the vehicle and went into EE's supervisors car awaiting medical aid.

March 12, 2026 UT · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech Fatality · MACHINERY
Kennecott Utah Copper LLC · Struck by powered moving object

At approximately 05.12am on the 12th March 2026, a mechanic was struck by a drill boom in a surface workshop, causing fatal injuries.

March 2, 2026 UT · Metal/Non-Metal master mechanic, foreman, supervisor HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Kennecott Utah Copper LLC · Over-exertion in pulling or pushing objects

Employee dropped phone behind their desk. While moving the desk to retrieve the phone they heard a pop and felt excruciating pain in the right shoulder.

February 14, 2026 CA · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDLING OF MATERIALS
U S Borax Inc · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

A mechanic was entering the cab of 9107 drill from the mast side. At which time the door slammed shut for unknown reasons, pinching the mechanic's pinky finger between the door jam and the door.

February 6, 2026 UT · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Kennecott Utah Copper LLC · Struck by flying object

IP was changing a light on a haul truck and lost control of wrench, which flew back and lacerated their lip. Supervisor called over the emergency line at 12:38pm and arrived at Lark Gate to see EMT at 13:00. EMT cleaned the laceration and sent them to a clinic to get the laceration stitched up.

February 6, 2026 UT · Metal/Non-Metal miner, nec INUNDATION
Kennecott Utah Copper LLC · (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Bad Air through bore hole caused oxygen deficient atmosphere and small amounts of H2S gas. Crew driving underground jeep lost power, employee then exited the jeep to check the master switch, the employee immediately could not breath, and yelled to the other two, they then grabbed their rescuers and retreated up the NOSS to fresh air.

January 25, 2026 UT · Metal/Non-Metal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Kennecott Utah Copper LLC · Fall onto or against objects

The operator was climbing the stairs to the haul truck and tripped over the second to last step from the top. The operator reached their hands out to catch themselves on the deck and upon impact hurt their shoulder.

December 27, 2025 CA · Metal/Non-Metal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
U S Borax Inc · Fall to the walkway or working surface

Operator was in the process of clearing the OLD 101 Belt under the Secondary crusher area from a product plug. As EE was walking around the area next to the Old 101 Belt EE slipped fell in Mud due to previous rain, landing wrong on EE's right ankle

December 12, 2025 UT · Metal/Non-Metal miner, prospector, nec SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Kennecott Utah Copper LLC · Fall to the walkway or working surface

Operator disconnected the winch cable from the roll off dumpster. Then, the operators right foot/boot/ice cleat caught on the corner of the dumpsters frame causing them to lose their balance, tripping backwards and landing on their elbow/ shoulder straining their shoulder.

December 1, 2025 CA · Metal/Non-Metal machinist HANDLING OF MATERIALS
U S Borax Inc · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

Employee was chasing threads on an impeller when the employee's shirt sleeve was caught in the vane of the impeller. At contact employee pulled away thus dislodging impeller which caused it to hit employees left side rm and the left side of their face.

November 28, 2025 UT · Metal/Non-Metal laborer, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, roof trimmer/scaler HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Kennecott Utah Copper LLC · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Crew was hand installing cable bolts at the 3100 intersection. The injured person was handing cable up to miners in a work basket when the employee felt one catch on their arm. The employee finished feeding the cable and noticed bleeding from a laceration on the left wrist. Employee received 10 stitches.

November 22, 2025 UT · Metal/Non-Metal bulldozer operator, universal operator, heavy equipment operator, operating engineer MACHINERY
Kennecott Utah Copper LLC · Struck against a moving object

DZ599 operator was backing up in second gear when the park break self-engaged causing the dozer to come to a complete stop resulting in the operator's experiencing whiplash to their neck. IP received no treatment and declined care. On 12/04/25, IP was using a track hoe and caused aggravation that worsened with time. Sent to RMMC for care and was prescribed medication.

November 21, 2025 UT · Metal/Non-Metal master mechanic, foreman, supervisor MACHINERY
Kennecott Utah Copper LLC · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

Employee was using a 3/4" drive impact gun to get the bolts properly torqued. Some of them needed to have a backer wrench to keep bolt from spinning. On one of the bolts the wrench caught the nylock part when torquing the impact, and pinched right hand pinky fingertip.

November 4, 2025 UT · Metal/Non-Metal laborer, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, roof trimmer/scaler POWERED HAULAGE
Kennecott Utah Copper LLC · Struck against stationary object

Sandvik Scoop LH02 operator was mucking in 3250 OD25. As the scoop was moving around a corner the operator was leaning forward with their head turned to get better visibility. The scoop hit a bump causing the operator's head, above the right eye, to contact the window, the operator briefly lost consciousness.

October 29, 2025 UT · Metal/Non-Metal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Kennecott Utah Copper LLC · Fall to the walkway or working surface

Operator was trying to pull the fuel hose to the haul truck. The fuel hose was caught on something, so the operator walked over to unhook the fuel hose and tried to pull the hose again, this time falling and landing on the right hand, injuring the wrist.

October 16, 2025 UT · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Kennecott Utah Copper LLC · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

Craft A was turning a half inch ratchet while Craft B was holding the torque multiplier using an extended handle and wrench. Craft B's hand slipped, and the craft's middle finger was pinched between the wrench and the wall of the tank.

October 16, 2025 CA · Metal/Non-Metal plumber, pipefitter, millwright HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
U S Borax Inc · Struck by flying object

While using an Iron Worker to punch out a metal plate. The Iron Worker dye broke and struck the employee in the chest.

October 15, 2025 UT · Metal/Non-Metal lab technician SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Kennecott Utah Copper LLC · Fall to the walkway or working surface

IP stated that they were at the mine sampling and due to the wet conditions, they lost their balance and fell down. The IP continued working throughout the shift and then advised another employee later in the day that their ankle was sore and went home. Seen at clinic on 10/16/2025.

October 7, 2025 CA · Metal/Non-Metal bulldozer operator, universal operator, heavy equipment operator, operating engineer DISORDERS (REPEATED TRAUMA)
U S Borax Inc · (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Hearing loss

October 1, 2025 UT · Metal/Non-Metal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Kennecott Utah Copper LLC · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

IP was assisting with cable work walked up to cable truck after it stopped. pothead was on crane swinging. IP ducked to get out the way IP hard hat fell off and pothead contacted the back of IP head resulting in a 3 inch laceration. EMT used gauze pads and a head wrap to control bleeding. EMT recommended transport to RMMC for higher level of care to close the wound.

September 17, 2025 UT · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Kennecott Utah Copper LLC · Struck by flying object

EE came to safety on 9/21/2025 complaining of irritation in the right eye, The EE said on 9/17/2025, while working to restore mine water, dirty water splashed into their right eye. The EE rinsed the eye and used eye drops for a few days, but the eye got redder and more irritated. The EE was taken to the clinic on 9/21/2025 and was prescribed eye drops as a precautionary measure.

September 14, 2025 UT · Metal/Non-Metal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver POWERED HAULAGE
Kennecott Utah Copper LLC · Struck against a moving object

Around 09:05 a haulage operator was being loaded by a shovel and got jolted from a big rock being dumped into the bed. IP arrived at first aid post at 09:36 and was assessed by an EMT. IP could not move head from side to side without pain. EMT sent the IP to RMMC for higher level of care. Pain is on left side of neck and upper trap.

September 11, 2025 UT · Metal/Non-Metal laborer, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, roof trimmer/scaler HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Kennecott Utah Copper LLC · Over-exertion in lifting objects

An offsider for the 3175 jumbo was gathering bolting supplies in the NRS. While lifting sections of wire to place blocks, the worker felt a pop and burning sensation in their right lower bicep. Thinking it was minor, they finished the task, but after reporting it to the jumbo operator, the shift supervisor was notified and the worker was brought to the surface.

September 10, 2025 UT · Metal/Non-Metal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Kennecott Utah Copper LLC · Over-exertion in pulling or pushing objects

Haul Truck operator on the 416 reported injuring their right wrist while fueling on the west pad at 6880 fuel island. The operator was pulling the fuel hose to the front of the truck when hose got stuck on the yellow bollard and pulled on their right arm, wrist, and shoulder.

September 7, 2025 UT · Metal/Non-Metal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Kennecott Utah Copper LLC · Fall from machine

Operator was descending a ladder to inspect underneath the loader, the operator experienced a sudden failure in EE's right knee as EE stepped down with EE's left leg. This caused EE to lose EE's grip on the handrails and fall approximately 3 to 4 feet to the ground. EE landed on EE's back on a youth nerf football-sized rock located on the north side of the loader.

September 6, 2025 UT · Metal/Non-Metal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver POWERED HAULAGE
Kennecott Utah Copper LLC · Over-exertion in pulling or pushing objects

Operator on the 461 made a series of sharp turns by cranking on the steering wheel when the operator felt a pain in their right shoulder.

August 26, 2025 CA · Metal/Non-Metal electrician, lineman DISORDERS (REPEATED TRAUMA)
U S Borax Inc · (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee has suffered a shift in their hearing baseline.

August 23, 2025 UT · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech STEPPING OR KNEELING ON OBJECT
Kennecott Utah Copper LLC · Struck against stationary object

On 08/23 IP reports climbing into engine of truck and stepped on a hose. Foot slipped and left ankle rolled laterally. IP completed shift but noticed left foot swelling and pain. Reports going to Riverton ED, had x-rays done which were reportedly negative and was given crutches and rocket sock. Was sent in by employer to RMMC on 08/27.

August 11, 2025 CA · Metal/Non-Metal ball/rod/pebble/hand/limestone/dry mill operator, roller operator POWERED HAULAGE
U S Borax Inc · Caught in, under or between running or meshing objects

An employee was attempting to clear a blockage in the dust collector chute. While reaching in to free a pole that was being used, the employee's glove became entangled in a rotating component of the equipment. This resulted in the amputation of three fingers.

August 7, 2025 CA · Metal/Non-Metal plumber, pipefitter, millwright DISORDERS (REPEATED TRAUMA)
U S Borax Inc · (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee suffered hearing loss

August 5, 2025 UT · Metal/Non-Metal miner, prospector, nec POWERED HAULAGE
Kennecott Utah Copper LLC · Struck against a moving object

At 23:50, IP supervisor called to notify EMT of a minor medical. IP arrived and stated that on 8/5 at 06:30 while riding the shuttle up from Park at Lark, they felt pain and described the feeling like a bee sting in lower left abdomen between left hip and belly button which had been gradually worsening throughout the day. IP was referred to ER for further level of care.

July 22, 2025 UT · Metal/Non-Metal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Kennecott Utah Copper LLC · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

IP took a break and when exiting truck, the wind pushed the door and pulled it out from their hand. IP described pain as sharp and achy. EMT referred IP to go to RMMC for further evaluation and left with supervisor. Worker has been able to perform all of their normal duties but was prescribed physical therapy on 09/12, escalating this to a medical treatment case injury.

July 19, 2025 UT · Metal/Non-Metal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver POWERED HAULAGE
Kennecott Utah Copper LLC · Struck against a moving object

After loading at the ES59, the HT471 operator noticed lower back discomfort. The operator attempted to continue operating to see if the pains would subside. After about a half hour, and the pains continued, the operator reported the pains to their supervisor. The operator was assessed by onsite ERT's, EMT then RMCC where they were released back to duty with restrictions.

July 18, 2025 UT · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech EXPLODING VESSELS UNDER PRESSURE
Rio Tinto Kennecott Copper · Struck by flying object

Miner attempted to puncture aerosol can on vice at which time the can exploded, lacerating EE's face and chipping a tooth requiring stitches and outpatient cosmetic dentistry

July 15, 2025 UT · Metal/Non-Metal electrician, lineman MACHINERY
Rio Tinto Kennecott Copper · Struck by flying object

While installing Tech screws into a panel, a metal shaving went in to employee's right eye. EE did not notice it until EE got in EE's car as was going home around 16:20. It felt itchy, and EE began rubbing it. EE didn't think much of it and EE thought EE would just flush it out when EE got home. The pain intensified, and EE called EE's supervisor to report it.

July 15, 2025 UT · Metal/Non-Metal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver POWERED HAULAGE
Kennecott Utah Copper LLC · Struck against a moving object

HT driver stated their haul truck was getting loaded around 9pm last night and they noted neck and back pain at the time of the load. EE continued driving and had 2 subsequent loads that worsened the pain in low back and neck. Employee stated they had a hard time breathing due to the muscle tightness.

July 15, 2025 UT · Metal/Non-Metal security guard, watchman DISORDERS (PHYSICAL AGENTS)
Kennecott Utah Copper LLC · Contact with heat

Local temperatures reached 97 degrees F just prior to the illness. Employee became ill and was treated for heat exhaustion by on-site EMT's before being transported to a local hospital. It was determined that this employee was dehydrated/Heat Exhausted.

July 13, 2025 UT · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech OTHER
Kennecott Utah Copper LLC · Absorption of radiations, caustics, toxic and noxious substances

At 14:50, IP had been clearing brush and felt a sting on their neck. IP told ERT/EMT that they were feeling numbness and tingling in extremities. IP stated they threw up after the sting. IP vitals were elevated. EMT transferred IP into ERT ambulance and transported IP to meet with UFA at Notch gate at 15:35.

July 12, 2025 UT · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Kennecott Utah Copper LLC · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

At approximately 04:30 am, Craftsman was walking from change house to truck shop through haul truck access road walkway. As they approached eastern side, they stepped on a rock and was knocked off balance, but not falling. The felt a crack/pop in lower back. The pain increased later in the shift. Supervisor was notified at 10:30am and then taken to clinic for further evaluation.

July 9, 2025 UT · Metal/Non-Metal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Kennecott Utah Copper LLC · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was moving core boxes from an elevated platform to bench and felt a pop in their right knee with minor discomfort. Continued to work for the remainder of the shift but knee progressively got worse through the night. On 7/10 at 07:33, IP arrived with supervisor at first aid exam room. EMT performed assessment and vital signs were normal. Referred to RMMC.

July 1, 2025 UT · Metal/Non-Metal electrician, lineman HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Kennecott Utah Copper LLC · Fall onto or against objects

At the end of day shift, an Electrician was relocating equipment by manually carrying it from a parked scissor deck to a nearby light vehicle. As the Electrician was walking, they lost their footing and fell, contacting the bottom lip on the equipment being handled, causing a laceration.

June 30, 2025 UT · Metal/Non-Metal bulldozer operator, universal operator, heavy equipment operator, operating engineer OTHER
Rio Tinto Kennecott Copper · (Not Elsewhere Classified)

The death was caused by a heart attack, as confirmed on the death certificate. This was a personal medical event unrelated to work. No workplace factors contributed, and no controls could have prevented a condition not linked to occupational exposure.

June 23, 2025 CA · Metal/Non-Metal plumber, pipefitter, millwright HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
U S Borax Inc · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

The employee was using a crowbar to adjust a metal screen when the screen slipped down and pincered the employee's finger between the screen and the housing frame. Employee suffered a Broken thumb

June 10, 2025 UT · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Kennecott Utah Copper LLC · Struck by flying object

Employee was hammering on a piece of metal when a metal shard broke off, penetrating and lacerating their right thigh. The laceration required stitches to close.

May 7, 2025 UT · Metal/Non-Metal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver STRIKING OR BUMPING
Kennecott Utah Copper LLC · Struck against stationary object

While trying to board the haul truck operator hit the right knee on the second rail on the ladder. EMT assessed IP and noted a purple mark on the front of their knee cap. IP was walking with a limp and said it was painful to press on the gas of haul truck. EMT sent IP to RMMC with supervisor.

May 5, 2025 UT · Metal/Non-Metal miner, prospector, nec SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Kennecott Utah Copper LLC · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Worker was walking to a hole they were about to measure when they tripped and rolled their ankle on uneven ground. Worker was assessed by EMT at 10:21am. EMT provided worker with an ice pack and advised them to go Medical Clinic for further evaluation. Supervisor took worker to MC.

Showing 50 of 1,108