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

475 total records

Showing 50 of 475
May 3, 2026 AZ · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator STEPPING OR KNEELING ON OBJECT
Freeport-McMoRan Safford Inc · Struck against stationary object

Employee was picking up blanks in the cell rack and removing wooden blocks when employee descended from platform stepping onto wooden block on floor causing employee to fall same level and rolling EE's right ankle.

April 23, 2026 AZ · Metal/Non-Metal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver POWERED HAULAGE
Freeport-McMoRan Safford Inc · Struck against a moving object

While backing up haul truck to shovel, employee had neck pain when the truck struck the shovel dipper which caused the contents to drop in truck bed.

April 22, 2026 AZ · Metal/Non-Metal crusher attendant/operator, pan feeder operator/worker SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Freeport-McMoRan Safford Inc · Fall to the walkway or working surface

Employee was moving vacuum hose, and it got caught causing EE to fall. EE had pain in EE's right knee which worsened on 04/24/2026.

April 9, 2026 AZ · Metal/Non-Metal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver POWERED HAULAGE
Freeport-McMoRan Safford Inc · Struck against a moving object

While traveling to the primary crusher, Haul Truck 17 veered into the berm and came to rest on its non-cab side.

April 6, 2026 AZ · Metal/Non-Metal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver POWERED HAULAGE
Freeport-McMoRan Safford Inc · Struck against stationary object

While making a turn on SP11 dump in HT 62, the employee bumped their right elbow on the Haul truck steering wheel spoke and caused swelling and right contusion

March 16, 2026 AZ · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Freeport-McMoRan Safford Inc · Struck by falling object

The employee was placing a ladder against a chute, when dirt/debris fell onto employee's face and into EE's right eye. The employee rubbed EE's right eye causing irritation.

February 16, 2026 AZ · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech POWERED HAULAGE
Freeport-McMoRan Safford Inc · Struck against a moving object

Employee struck driver's side door of company vehicle with personal vehicle. Front air bag deployed. Employee has reported neck pain on 2/24/26. Examined at Health clinic on 2/25/26.

February 16, 2026 AZ · Metal/Non-Metal ball/rod/pebble/hand/limestone/dry mill operator, roller operator POWERED HAULAGE
Freeport-McMoRan Safford Inc · Struck against stationary object

While attempting to make a left turn in the company LV335 flatbed truck, it was hit by a personal vehicle on the driver side door. The impact caused the employee to hit their head on the driver side window.

February 10, 2026 AZ · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator POWERED HAULAGE
Freeport-McMoRan Safford Inc · Struck against a moving object

while attempting to make a U-turn on the UTV, the UTV turned onto its side. This resulted in injury to lower back, right flank and right hip.

February 10, 2026 AZ · Metal/Non-Metal leaching operator POWERED HAULAGE
Freeport-McMoRan Safford Inc · Struck against a moving object

While attempting to make a U-turn on the UTV, the UTV turned onto its side. This resulted in injury to the right hand.

January 8, 2026 AZ · Metal/Non-Metal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver POWERED HAULAGE
Freeport-McMoRan Safford Inc · Struck against a moving object

The employee was leaving EE's Shovel 6 assignment when EE made contact with a pothole in the haul road. The Employee states EE has strained EE's lower back pain.

December 22, 2025 AZ · Metal/Non-Metal crane operator, mobile equipment operator (meo), dragline operator, dropball operator, rigger HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Freeport-McMoRan Safford Inc · Struck by falling object

Crane Operator was preparing the rig to be strapped to the truss. They placed a shackle on top of the metal beam to position themselves for rigging. The shackle off the beam and fell approximately four feet, striking the employee on the back of right index finger.

December 16, 2025 AZ · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Freeport-McMoRan Safford Inc · Over-exertion in lifting objects

Employee was lifting a desk with other employees into the back of a pick-up truck. When the employee bent down to lift and stood up, EE felt pain in EE's back and down EE's right leg.

December 8, 2025 AZ · Metal/Non-Metal bulldozer operator, universal operator, heavy equipment operator, operating engineer HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Freeport-McMoRan Safford Inc · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

Employee was attempting to open the back door of a UTV, and the front seat passengers opened their door to assist. Employee was able to get their door open before front passenger exited the UTV and placed their hand on the door jam. During this time the front seat passenger closed their door and smashed employees' thumb in door.

November 3, 2025 AZ · Metal/Non-Metal miner, prospector, nec SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Freeport-McMoRan Safford Inc · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

While dismounting Dozer 01, the employee led with their left foot onto uneven ground. Upon contact, they experienced pain in the left distal quadriceps area.

November 3, 2025 AZ · Metal/Non-Metal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Freeport-McMoRan Safford Inc · Over-exertion in wielding or throwing objects

Employee was shoveling carryback material from under a conveyor belt tail area and felt pain in lumbar spine.

October 28, 2025 AZ · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech MACHINERY
Freeport-McMoRan Safford Inc · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

Employee was adjusting lifting shackle and overhead crane hook during lifting operations. The employee's right index finger was pinched between lifting shackle and overhead crane hook. The employee suffered partial traumatic transphalangeal amputation of right index finger with nailbed involvement.

October 14, 2025 AZ · Metal/Non-Metal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver STRIKING OR BUMPING
Freeport-McMoRan Safford Inc · Struck against stationary object

Claims that EE hit EE's right elbow on the rear corner of EE's truck and then felt a sharp pain in EE's right shoulder while hitting the side of EE's trailer with EE's rubber mallet. Next morning EE could not move EE's right arm without severe pain. Sent to Concentra and diagnosed with a shoulder strain and contusion to elbow and placed on modified duty.

October 12, 2025 AZ · Metal/Non-Metal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Freeport-McMoRan Safford Inc · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was walking down staircase when EE stepped on second to the last step, the stair broke resulting in EE's left foot going through the step and hurting EE's ankle. Employee seen and released to full work duties. Employee had follow-up and seen 10/16/2025 and went on restricted duty.

October 8, 2025 AZ · Metal/Non-Metal electrician, lineman SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Freeport-McMoRan Safford Inc · Fall to the walkway or working surface

While exiting light vehicle on driver's side, employee stepped onto pointed edge rock, right ankle twisted resulting in subsequent fall to ground. Injury sustained was right ankle avulsion fracture distal fibula

October 5, 2025 AZ · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Freeport-McMoRan Safford Inc · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was taking apart a 3-inch hose and the camlock struck EE in the lower lip, causing a laceration.

September 19, 2025 AZ · Metal/Non-Metal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman FALLING/SLIDING/ROLLING MATERIALS
Freeport-McMoRan Safford Inc · Struck by falling object

Employee sustained a nondisplaced fracture of right thumb (Distal Phalanx) when employee was ascending the stairs to access the belt 2260CON001 and the safety bar came down and smashed the employees right thumb.

September 18, 2025 AZ · Metal/Non-Metal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver POWERED HAULAGE
Freeport-McMoRan Safford Inc · Struck against a moving object

The employee was leaving Shovel 4 and 6 pit in 6th gear when EE hit a pothole in the road. The employee stated the truck bed raised up a little and came down, causing the seat to bottom out. The employee was seen by Occ Med on 9/23/25 and was released without restrictions. On 9/26/25, the employee was seen by Occ Med and was returned to work with restrictions.

August 27, 2025 AZ · Metal/Non-Metal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver EXPLODING VESSELS UNDER PRESSURE
Freeport-McMoRan Safford Inc · Struck by flying object

The employee was fueling Haul Truck 11 with Diesel Fuel when the hose popped off and splashed the employee in the eyes, face and chest. The operator was wearing PPE during the time of fueling.

August 15, 2025 AZ · Metal/Non-Metal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Freeport-McMoRan Safford Inc · Fall to the walkway or working surface

Employee stepped in the inlet side of the cell at the tank house. They fell forward and injured left wrist and right shoulder.

July 19, 2025 AZ · Metal/Non-Metal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver POWERED HAULAGE
Freeport-McMoRan Safford Inc · Struck against a moving object

Rubber tire driver hit a few potholes and felt a slight pain on EE's chest and low back. When the driver stopped to check equipment, EE felt dizzy and could not stand.

July 19, 2025 AZ · Metal/Non-Metal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver POWERED HAULAGE
Freeport-McMoRan Safford Inc · Struck against a moving object

Haul Truck operator hit an unknown bump, a few minutes after began to feel pain in EE's back.

July 15, 2025 AZ · Metal/Non-Metal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman POWERED HAULAGE
Freeport-McMoRan Safford Inc · Struck against a moving object

The employee was in the cab of the radial stacker when the 2450-002 luffing system base failed at end of shift causing the stacker cab to drop to the right side. The operator in the cab, experienced some discomfort to the left leg after the luffing system failed.

June 27, 2025 AZ · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Freeport-McMoRan Safford Inc · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

Employee was transporting a part (Core) by forklift when the part fell off the pallet during transport. The employee smashed their left hand between the part and pallet while lifting the part back onto the pallet.

June 23, 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 Safford Inc · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

While employee was walking under EE's truck on the driver's side for an air valve check, the right foot slid out from underneath EE. This caused all weight to shift to EE's left side and resulted in a left ankle sprain.

June 14, 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 Safford Inc · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Truck driver was walking toward line up room in parking area. EE rolled EE's right ankle which resulted in an avulsion fracture

June 13, 2025 AZ · Metal/Non-Metal coal/ore shovel operator, shoveler, power shoveler SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Freeport-McMoRan Safford Inc · Fall to the walkway or working surface

Shovel Operator was exiting the cab when EE tripped and fell on the metal grating. EE has cuts to EE's eyelid, cheek, nose and lower lip. EE received two stitches to lower lip.

June 6, 2025 AZ · Metal/Non-Metal leaching operator OTHER
Freeport-McMoRan Safford Inc · Bodily reaction, (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was fusing 4-inch T's when the employee bent over and grabbed the handle of the fusion machine. The employee's lower back locked up. The employee stated pre-existing injury.

April 29, 2025 AZ · Metal/Non-Metal crusher attendant/operator, pan feeder operator/worker POWERED HAULAGE
Freeport-McMoRan Safford Inc · Struck by flying object

While disconnecting the rear hose attachment of the CCV003 (Vac Truck) to clear a plugged hose, the top part of the hose whipped back and hit the employee's front tooth, cracking the bottom part of the right front incisor (central) tooth.

April 11, 2025 AZ · Metal/Non-Metal mechanic helper HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Freeport-McMoRan Safford Inc · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

Employees were lifting a piece of ductwork into place to align the flanges to mark the holes, the ductwork pipe shifted pinching employees' thumb between the flanges resulting in a Laceration/Avulsion.

April 9, 2025 AZ · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Freeport-McMoRan Safford Inc · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

Employee was tightening lugs on tire when employee set impact gun down and smashed left pinky finger between rim of tire and impact.

April 8, 2025 AZ · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Freeport-McMoRan Safford Inc · Fall onto or against objects

Our employee was gathering equipment at the jobsite and accidently tripped on a cable tray. As EE reached out to break EE's fall EE came in contact with a sharp piece of pipe where EE cut EE's right hand. Our employee was taken to an urgent care facility where EE received 5 stitches in EE's right hand.

March 12, 2025 AZ · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech MACHINERY
Freeport-McMoRan Safford Inc · Caught in, under or between running or meshing objects

Employee was removing panels from screen media with Air Tugger, when employee was holding Air Tugger chain with EE's left hand. Employees left hand became lodged in the Air Tugger Block causing laceration to EE's left hand.

February 1, 2025 AZ · Metal/Non-Metal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver POWERED HAULAGE
Freeport-McMoRan Safford Inc · Struck against a moving object

While driving through SH3 pit, a haul truck trainee employee hit a rough spot in the road. Initially the employee stated they were ok but after another run, they told their mentor that they were experiencing back pain.

February 1, 2025 AZ · Metal/Non-Metal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver MACHINERY
Freeport-McMoRan Safford Inc · Struck against a moving object

While loading Haul Truck 36, a shovel operator trainee made contact with the back of HT36 with the dipper. After dumping the operator continued onto an additional run at Shovel 3. After another full load/dump cycle, the operator stated they felt neck and back pain.

January 29, 2025 AZ · Metal/Non-Metal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver POWERED HAULAGE
Freeport-McMoRan Safford Inc · Struck against a moving object

Haul truck dumped out and was traveling to the next assignment. As EE headed down the Power ramp, EE's truck began to slide due to the roads being slick from the weather event just before the shift. Driver tried to correct the slide, and EE made contact with the berm with the right front corner.

January 29, 2025 AZ · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Freeport-McMoRan Safford Inc · Over-exertion in lifting objects

Employee was lifting a 300lb propane gun with two other employees when EE felt a pain in the shoulder. EE worked through the remainder of the shift thinking the pain would subside, and when it hadn't, EE reported the incident to supervisor at the start of the shift the next day.

January 21, 2025 AZ · Metal/Non-Metal beltman, conveyor man, conveyor belt worker, mobile bridge carrierman, feeder operator, conveyor rider OTHER
Freeport-McMoRan Safford Inc · Struck by flying object

While walking near a running conveyor belt on a Copper heap leach system with PPE on (Safety Glasses) the wind gusted and dust entered employees head and face causing a dust particle to enter their eye. They rubbed their eye before seeking eye wash. Employee was taken to the clinic. The exam showed no dirt in eye but a small scratch.

January 10, 2025 AZ · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech EXPLODING VESSELS UNDER PRESSURE
Freeport-McMoRan Safford Inc · (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was driving Lube Truck 09 to Lone Star Stemming Plant to service equipment when the rear brake caught fire. While the employee was crouched down trying to put out the brake fire with the fire extinguisher, the right rear inner tire blew out. The employee was taken to the ER, evaluated and released.

December 11, 2024 AZ · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech OTHER
Freeport-McMoRan Safford Inc · Bodily reaction, (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Stood from crouched position, caused pain in knee. Employee is not able to walk or stand normally.

December 6, 2024 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 Safford Inc · Fall onto or against objects

Truck Driver Trainee was putting on EE's coat as EE stepped out of the water truck cab. EE fell backwards and struck the handrail with EE's left rib area. EE was taken to the emergency room and got x-rays with negative findings on 12/6/24. The Trainee was x-rayed again on 12/10/24 and four non-displaced rib fractures on EE's left side were found.

November 27, 2024 AZ · Metal/Non-Metal mechanic helper HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Freeport-McMoRan Safford Inc · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was stripping ground cable with a pocketknife. Employee was not wearing gloves at time of the incident.

November 22, 2024 AZ · Metal/Non-Metal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver NONPOWERED HAULAGE
Freeport-McMoRan Safford Inc · Fall from machine

Employee was entering a trailer porter-john when the trailer tipped towards them. Employee fell backwards onto loose rock, landing on knees and wrists. Employee sustained left knee contusion and right wrist strain.

November 17, 2024 AZ · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Freeport-McMoRan Safford Inc · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was rolling up the fuel truck hose after servicing a dozer at the 4650 dump in Lone Star pit. Their left leg gave away.

Showing 50 of 475