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

2,881 total records

Showing 50 of 2,881
May 7, 2026 AZ · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech MACHINERY
Freeport-McMoRan Morenci Inc. · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

A Mill Diagnostic mechanic was guiding a coupling guard into position using crane assistance. The mechanic attempted to lift the bottom edge of the guard to maneuver it over the adjustment bolt. The guard was set back down, the mechanic's left hand was still positioned underneath, resulting in the left index finger being caught and pinched between the adjustment bolt and the guard.

May 4, 2026 AZ · Metal/Non-Metal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Freeport-McMoRan Morenci Inc. · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was walking towards the centerline during shift change using the designated path to the ladder. As they were walking towards the ladder the employee noticed that the pathway sloughed causing the employees left leg to sink up to the knee. This position caused the employees ankle to experience discomfort. The employee went restricted duty 5/5/2026.

April 25, 2026 AZ · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Freeport-McMoRan Morenci Inc. · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

A Shovel/Drill employee was removing snubber pins to perform a re-shim of the snubber. While using a digging bar to drive out the pins, the pin suddenly released, causing the snubber to drop. This resulted in the employee's left pinky finger being pinched between the dipper bore and the digging bar. Employee was given restrictions on 4/25/2026.

April 22, 2026 AZ · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Freeport-McMoRan Morenci Inc. · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Wrench struck safety glasses, employee suffered laceration to face that required stitches.

April 20, 2026 AZ · Metal/Non-Metal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver POWERED HAULAGE
Freeport-McMoRan Morenci Inc. · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Haul truck operator hit a couple of potholes and tensed and applied brakes while traveling haul road. Soon after the operator saw a truck sliding towards them, so they tensed up and applied brakes again. In tensing up, the operator felt pain in left shoulder. The operator ran two more loads and, on the way, to tie down, the pain increased.

April 16, 2026 AZ · Metal/Non-Metal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Freeport-McMoRan Morenci Inc. · Struck by flying object

Employee reported that dust entered under their safety glasses flushed their eyes using an eyewash bottles. The employee declined medical evaluation at the clinic at the time. With continuing issues, the employee was later evaluated and given prescription eyedrops.

April 15, 2026 AZ · Metal/Non-Metal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Freeport-McMoRan Morenci Inc. · Fall to the walkway or working surface

Employee was squatting down tying mantos to 4" pipe on a leaching stockpile, when they fell foreword hitting right knee and elbow on rock. Employee felt pain in both areas and reported it to supervisor.

April 9, 2026 AZ · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Freeport-McMoRan Morenci Inc. · Rubbed or abraded

An employee was operating a drill press in the maintenance shop when metal shavings became lodged in the equipment. The employee stopped the drill press and attempt to manually remove the obstruction, and a sharp metal shaving penetrated the glove and caused a laceration to the employee's left index finger. The employee received stitches for their injury.

April 8, 2026 AZ · Metal/Non-Metal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Freeport-McMoRan Morenci Inc. · Absorption of radiations, caustics, toxic and noxious substances

Employee was rolling up mantos on a leach stockpile, when their right forearm became irritated by the raffinate solution. The employee wash off arm with 4 bottles of water and reported incident to supervisor. The employee was taken to clinic to be evaluated.

April 4, 2026 AZ · Metal/Non-Metal mechanic helper SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Freeport-McMoRan Morenci Inc. · Fall from machine

At the end of their shift an employee began descending the front boarding ladder. As employee was reaching the bottom step to get on the platform, they lost footing/overstepped the top rung for the breakaway ladder. This caused the employee to fall approximately 4.5 ft and land on their left elbow.

April 1, 2026 AZ · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Freeport-McMoRan Morenci Inc. · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

The employee was walking from the lower lunchroom. Upon reaching the top of the stairway, the employee missed a step, resulting in a twisting injury to the right knee and reported hearing a popping sound.

March 21, 2026 AZ · Metal/Non-Metal crusher attendant/operator, pan feeder operator/worker HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Freeport-McMoRan Morenci Inc. · Struck against stationary object

Employee was using an 8-foot steel bar at the P 9/10 chute to remove a slab (rock) at the bottom of the chute. As the employee was attempting to hit the slab, their left hand hit the bottom of the chute door and smashed their left pinky finger.

March 11, 2026 AZ · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Freeport-McMoRan Morenci Inc. · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Morenci Mill Maintenance employee was in the belt shop attempting to cut some skirting for a belt job. As they began to cut using the Olfa knife, the knife slipped cutting into the A6 rated glove and HexArmor sleeve into the employees left thumb, side cutting the skin next to the nail.

March 10, 2026 AZ · Metal/Non-Metal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver MACHINERY
Freeport-McMoRan Morenci Inc. · Struck against a moving object

Operator was attempting to fill in a hole from where the shovel came out of. While pushing material, the operator claims that they came to a sudden stop causing them to be jarred forward. Operator went restricted duty on 3/11/2026.

March 10, 2026 AZ · Metal/Non-Metal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver POWERED HAULAGE
Freeport-McMoRan Morenci Inc. · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

Operator was mounting a Haul Truck and raising the boarding ladder. The operator's hand was on the boarding ladder switch when the handrail to the ladder pinched their finger between the switch and the handrail.

March 9, 2026 AZ · Metal/Non-Metal crusher attendant/operator, pan feeder operator/worker HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Freeport-McMoRan Morenci Inc. · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

Mill Crusher Ops employee was making their rounds this morning checking all the unit screens at the Secondary Crusher, employee went to close the "doghouse" door and smashed their middle finger.

March 9, 2026 AZ · Metal/Non-Metal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver FIRE
Freeport-McMoRan Morenci Inc. · Inhalation of radiations, caustics, toxic and noxious substances

Haul Truck 629 was loaded at a shovel and traveling uphill to a dump when smoke and flames were observed in the engine bay. The haul truck came to a stop the operator descended the haul truck.

March 9, 2026 AZ · Metal/Non-Metal janitor SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Freeport-McMoRan Morenci Inc. · Fall down stairs

Employee was walking down the stairs attempting to remove something from EE's bag and missed the last step, causing EE to fall and injure EE's right elbow and left knee

March 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 Morenci Inc. · Struck against a moving object

The haul truck operator had completed dumping and was traveling back down the haul road. While driving, the operator struck a pothole at approximately 13 miles per hour. As a result of the impact, the operator reported experiencing lower back pain. Operator went restricted duty on 3/9/2026.

March 7, 2026 AZ · Metal/Non-Metal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver MACHINERY
Freeport-McMoRan Morenci Inc. · Struck against a moving object

A Haul Truck was being loaded by a Shovel. During the third dipper, a boulder was at the top of the dipper leaning on the teeth. When the bottom of the dipper opened, the boulder did not fall through with the rest of the load. Instead, it rolled over the teeth, hit the driver side of the haul trucks canopy and fell to the ground. Operator went restricted duty on 3/12/2026.

March 6, 2026 AZ · Metal/Non-Metal ball/rod/pebble/hand/limestone/dry mill operator, roller operator HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Freeport-McMoRan Morenci Inc. · Struck by flying object

An operator was using a rock hook to unplug a chute. They were pulling up on a stuck rock when it broke loose which caused the tool to come up and make contact with the employee's central incisor #8 (front upper) tooth.

March 5, 2026 AZ · Metal/Non-Metal coal/ore shovel operator, shoveler, power shoveler MACHINERY
Freeport-McMoRan Morenci Inc. · Struck against a moving object

The Shovel Operator walked the shovel back down off of the 3'-4' hard knob and the shovel jolted. This resulted in the operator experiencing neck pain.

March 5, 2026 AZ · Metal/Non-Metal ball/rod/pebble/hand/limestone/dry mill operator, roller operator HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Freeport-McMoRan Morenci Inc. · Over-exertion in lifting objects

A Morcon ops employee was washing off material behind the ball mills area when they took a break. Upon returning from the break they went to bend over to pick up the water hose to continue spraying down area when they felt a pain in their back.

February 19, 2026 AZ · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Freeport-McMoRan Morenci Inc. · Fall to the walkway or working surface

Mill Diagnostic Mechanic missed a step on the floor grating. They stumbled and attempted to regain balance but fell forward, landing on right knee.

February 18, 2026 AZ · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech MACHINERY
Freeport-McMoRan Morenci Inc. · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

A Mechanic was removing the propel shaft on a Shovel using a steel cable and a Dozer. While positioning the cable on the dozer's ripper, a mechanic placed a hand near the line. When the dozer moved forward, the cable shifted and caught their left hand between the cable and the ripper.

February 18, 2026 AZ · Metal/Non-Metal froth cell operator, flotation mill operator, concetrator operator HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Freeport-McMoRan Morenci Inc. · Absorption of radiations, caustics, toxic and noxious substances

The employee had noticed red on the under part of their eyes 2/18/2026 at the end of their shift and over the next couple of days a rash appeared and on 3/4/2026 the employee reported the injury when coming back to work due to the condition not improving.

February 18, 2026 AZ · Metal/Non-Metal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Freeport-McMoRan Morenci Inc. · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

While employee was cleaning up debris in a 90 degree pipe. A rock dislodged and stuck employee on right hand.

February 17, 2026 AZ · Metal/Non-Metal warehouse, supply handler SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Freeport-McMoRan Morenci Inc. · Fall to the walkway or working surface

Employee suffered seizure causing EE to fall from standing to the ground. Fracture to the skull was sustained in the fall.

February 14, 2026 AZ · Metal/Non-Metal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver POWERED HAULAGE
Freeport-McMoRan Morenci Inc. · Struck against a moving object

An employee was traveling in a van when the driver encountered a pothole on the haul road, resulting in a sudden jolt to the passengers.

February 14, 2026 AZ · Metal/Non-Metal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver POWERED HAULAGE
Freeport-McMoRan Morenci Inc. · Struck against a moving object

An employee was traveling in a van when the driver encountered a pothole on the haul road, resulting in a sudden jolt to the passengers.

February 14, 2026 AZ · Metal/Non-Metal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver POWERED HAULAGE
Freeport-McMoRan Morenci Inc. · Struck against a moving object

An employee was traveling in a van when the driver encountered a pothole on the haul road, resulting in a sudden jolt to the passengers.

February 13, 2026 AZ · Metal/Non-Metal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Freeport-McMoRan Morenci Inc. · Struck against stationary object

Employee was unloading a hose crimping machine and hit EE's left index finger on something and created a laceration.

February 13, 2026 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 Morenci Inc. · Struck by flying object

Offloading Ammonia Nitrate Solution, the hose was clogged. Employee closed the line to check the hose but there was still pressure in the line. When they unhooked the line the pressure sprayed solution hitting them in the face and entering eyes. They washed their eyes out well onsite but went to an eye doctor to be checked out and they prescribed antibiotic ointment

February 6, 2026 AZ · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech MACHINERY
Freeport-McMoRan Morenci Inc. · Struck by flying object

Two employees had checked a belt and were walking on the lower level of the screen plant when a rock from the next level up fell over toe board striking one of the employees on top/right side of their head.

January 29, 2026 AZ · Metal/Non-Metal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver POWERED HAULAGE
Freeport-McMoRan Morenci Inc. · Struck by falling object

The backup monitor fell from the mount and struck the haul truck operator on the left side of the head.

January 28, 2026 AZ · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Freeport-McMoRan Morenci Inc. · Over-exertion in lifting objects

Employee was picking up parts for their task and one of the required parts the employee needed was a cylinder for the dust curtain on the drill. While lifting the cylinder, the employee stood upright and experienced a sharp pain on the left side of the body.

January 28, 2026 AZ · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Freeport-McMoRan Morenci Inc. · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

During a maintenance activity, a maintenance employee was replacing some dust collector ducting in the tunnel when they pinch their right index finger.

January 28, 2026 AZ · Metal/Non-Metal drill operator HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Freeport-McMoRan Morenci Inc. · Struck against stationary object

Employee sustained a laceration to right hand ring finger when it was cut by a burr on the inside of the drill pipe and received 5 sutures. Employee identified one of the burrs, but not the second. EE had Impact Cut 5 gloves on at the time of occurrence.

January 27, 2026 AZ · Metal/Non-Metal miner, prospector, nec HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Freeport-McMoRan Morenci Inc. · Over-exertion in pulling or pushing objects

While walking through the mud, the employee's feet became stuck. During an attempt to free themselves, they felt a pop in their left knee.

January 26, 2026 AZ · Metal/Non-Metal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver POISONING (TOXIC MATERIALS)
Freeport-McMoRan Morenci Inc. · Inhalation of radiations, caustics, toxic and noxious substances

The operator exited the cab and unintentionally inhaled turbo fumes when exiting haul truck.

January 26, 2026 AZ · Metal/Non-Metal outside foreman, leadman HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Freeport-McMoRan Morenci Inc. · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Water hose nozzle struck employee in chin, chipping 2 teeth, cracking 1 tooth and causing a laceration which required 3 stitches.

January 24, 2026 AZ · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Freeport-McMoRan Morenci Inc. · Struck by falling object

Employee was cleaning the Dc box for the ball mill when they felt something fall between their glasses. Employee felt like something got in their eye and started to flush them out.

January 19, 2026 AZ · Metal/Non-Metal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver POWERED HAULAGE
Freeport-McMoRan Morenci Inc. · Struck against a moving object

The operator of haul truck claimed that while dumping out the front end of the truck lifted up and slammed back down. They stated at the time of incident they did not experience discomfort. However, as the shift progressed, they began to experience increasing discomfort to their lower back. The operator went on leave for the injury on 1/20/2026.

January 10, 2026 AZ · Metal/Non-Metal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver POWERED HAULAGE
Freeport-McMoRan Morenci Inc. · Struck against a moving object

A haul truck operator was traveling on a haul road when the equipment struck a pothole.

January 9, 2026 AZ · Metal/Non-Metal miner, prospector, nec OTHER
Freeport-McMoRan Morenci Inc. · Bodily reaction, (Not Elsewhere Classified)

An employee reported pain in knee after bending down to collect samples in tailings.

January 1, 2026 AZ · Metal/Non-Metal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Freeport-McMoRan Morenci Inc. · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

A Crush and Convey employee rolled their right ankle while stepping off the crusher ring during maintenance.

December 27, 2025 AZ · Metal/Non-Metal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Freeport-McMoRan Morenci Inc. · Fall onto or against objects

Operator of a haul truck fell while cleaning windows on the truck deck, striking their right wrist against the windshield. Received work restrictions on 12/29/2025.

December 27, 2025 AZ · Metal/Non-Metal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Freeport-McMoRan Morenci Inc. · Over-exertion in lifting objects

Employee was lifting 50-pound bucket, when they felt a pull in their abdomen. There was no pain, so employee continued working. Employee noticed a bump after they went home. Employee reported it the following morning start of shift. incident occurred at the Lone Star array site.

Showing 50 of 2,881