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

133 total records

Showing 50 of 133
May 11, 2026 WY · Metal/Non-Metal dryer operator, kiln operator, dry plant operator, fluid operator, bed dryer operator OTHER
Bentonite Performance Minerals LLC · Unclassified, insufficient data

Personal Health Issue not due to any chemical or physical factor from the mine. Only one person affected by this personal medical condition.

July 12, 2025 WY · Metal/Non-Metal bulldozer operator, universal operator, heavy equipment operator, operating engineer POWERED HAULAGE
Bentonite Performance Minerals LLC · Struck against a moving object

EE driving an artic truck went to grab drink bottle and dropped bottle. Leaned over to grab bottle, while still driving, and veered off road & hit tail end of a berm jarring EE & equipment. EE sustained head wound and fractured collarbone on left side of body. EE was rushed to ER (received staples & sling) & returned to work next shift.

December 19, 2024 WY · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator OTHER
Bentonite Performance Minerals, LLC · Struck by flying object

While working outdoors, wind-blown dust contributed to small corneal abrasion for which preventative antibiotics were prescribed.

August 12, 2024 WY · Metal/Non-Metal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Bentonite Performance Minerals LLC · Over-exertion in pulling or pushing objects

Unloading 5th wheel plate from the back of pickup bed, pushed the plate & experienced pain in (r) forearm. 1st aid implemented, closed 8/15/24. Reopened (8/16) case & seen at medical facility. Referred to Orthopedic spc. 8/19 Ortho requested MRI for 8/29 & review on 9/03. 9/03 deemed EE needed surgery for rupture of the right distal bicep tendon, scheduled surgery next day 9/04/24.

March 11, 2024 WY · Metal/Non-Metal electrician, lineman OTHER
Bentonite Performance Minerals, LLC · Bodily reaction, (Not Elsewhere Classified)

While getting in to position to perform work, an awkward body movement led to a lower back strain.

September 3, 2023 WY · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator STRIKING OR BUMPING
Bentonite Performance Minerals LLC · Struck against stationary object

Employee was traveling down a grated walkway covering a 2-foot ditch. One of the grates was loose and the employee stepped through the gap and scraped the shin area of the left leg. On 9/11/2023 Employee went to NBHH clinic to have it looked at. The leg was numbed and fluid drained. The employee was told to return to work and monitor it.

August 31, 2023 WY · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Bentonite Performance Minerals, LLC · Struck against stationary object

Employee was engaged in cleanout activities on production machinery during a product line changeover. During these activities, 2 fingertips contacted moving machine parts, resulting in tissue loss and sutures given.

June 1, 2023 WY · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Bentonite Performance Minerals, LLC · Over-exertion in lifting objects

IP (injured party) and another maintenance personnel were lifting a chute into place on an empty trough while replacing the #3 screw. IP brought chute to chest level when IP felt a pop in their lower right forearm. First aid recommendations followed. On 6/21/23 went to medical facility for follow-up due to little improvement. IP placed on restrictions and PT.

January 4, 2023 WY · Metal/Non-Metal bulldozer operator, universal operator, heavy equipment operator, operating engineer SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Bentonite Performance Minerals LLC · Fall onto or against objects

While employee was checking fluids on a motor grader, their right foot slipped off a step. Their left hand and left foot maintained their points of contact, but in the course of arresting the fall and regaining balance, their right arm jarred against the top side of the tire, which led to pain in the shoulder joint.

August 12, 2022 WY · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Bentonite Performance Minerals, LLC · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE was changing out a caulk tube in the caulk gun. EE went to puncture tube with the metal puncture rod (which was unusually sharpened) slipped and poked their left hand (between thumb and index finger).

May 17, 2022 WY · Metal/Non-Metal electrician, lineman POWERED HAULAGE
Bentonite Performance Minerals LLC · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was using a forklift. The forks were too wide, parked the machine, chocked the wheels, and went to move the forks. The procedure - raise the boom, tip forward to release pressure on the forks, slide the forks into position. EE lifted the end with right hand and pushed with the left. EE lost control of the raised fork and it smacked down on the left pinky.

April 22, 2021 WY · Metal/Non-Metal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Bentonite Performance Minerals LLC · Over-exertion in lifting objects

While lifting a hand tool out of its racked position, employee experienced a shoulder sprain.

January 7, 2021 WY · Metal/Non-Metal bulldozer operator, universal operator, heavy equipment operator, operating engineer HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Bentonite Performance Minerals LLC · Struck by flying object

While working with a hammer on metal machinery parts, an airborne metal splinter lacerated the employee's cheek. First aid measures were applied but after a few days it was determined that a piece of the shard remained in the wound. On 1/20/21 an outpatient procedure was performed to extract the shard, and the employee was released to work without restrictions.

October 29, 2020 WY · Metal/Non-Metal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Bentonite Performance Minerals LLC · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was standing on the ground using a hand tool to clean mud from the exterior of a trailer. Following this activity, the employee experienced pain and limited range of motion in their shoulder. After first aid measures did not resolve the issue, a physician recommended restricted duty accommodations pending further diagnosis.

October 19, 2020 WY · Metal/Non-Metal FIRE
Bentonite Performance Minerals LLC · Accident type, without injuries

10-19-20 at 3am the socks inside the #2 dryer baghouse caught fire, the fire moved to the outside of the baghouse. The fire department was called, the fire was extinguished within 35 mins. MSHA was immediately notified and was on site for the investigation on 10-20-20; the investigation is ongoing. We believe the socks caught fire while cleaning hot fly ash from the #2 furnace.

September 29, 2020 WY · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Bentonite Performance Minerals, LLC · Over-exertion in pulling or pushing objects

Employee released brake of rail car and when pulling the brake felt a pain in right arm/shoulder.

July 23, 2020 WY · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Bentonite Performance Minerals, LLC · Struck against stationary object

Shift was ending soon and EE was returning to the bulk shack to collect their things. Noticed a camlock dust cap lying in the walkway. EE was handling camlock when they cut their middle finger. EE went to the lunchroom for 1st aid. Recommendation made for EE to be seen at medical facility for further evaluation. After evaluation it was deemed that seven stitches were required.

June 3, 2020 WY · Metal/Non-Metal scraper-loader operator POWERED HAULAGE
Bentonite Performance Minerals LLC · Struck against a moving object

While operating a scraper in a pit, employee experienced back pain that necessitated medical treatment beyond first aid.

June 3, 2020 WY · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Bentonite Performance Minerals, LLC · Struck by flying object

EE replacing shaft in an auger, wore proper PPE (face shield, safety glasses etc.). After completed task EE felt irritation in left eye. EE flushed eye multiple times throughout the day but irritation persisted. Towards the end of the day examined eye better & noticed a foreign object in eye. Recommendation for medical evaluation. Medical facility removed sliver of metal from eye.

July 8, 2019 WY · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Bentonite Performance Minerals, LLC · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Bulk truck arrived for load & bulk operator began procedures. EE went up the stairway to open the hatch, placed in spout to begin loading. While descending the last step onto the ground EE rolled their ankle. EE felt popping sensation from their ankle up their leg, unable to apply pressure to leg, thought they broke ankle. Taken to ER for eval. Diagnosed with sprain & no work.

February 9, 2019 WY · Metal/Non-Metal front-end loader, scraper-loader operator, pan operator, payloader, scraper rig operator HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Bentonite Performance Minerals LLC · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

An employee was barring out a chunk of frozen material caught between the conveyor belt and the tail end roller. The employees left hand got pinned between the bar and the bracing of the conveyor, lacerating the palm. The employee was taken to the hospital where EE received stitches and a tetanus shot. The employee was released to return to work under normal duties.

September 20, 2018 WY · Metal/Non-Metal bulldozer operator, universal operator, heavy equipment operator, operating engineer POWERED HAULAGE
Bentonite Performance Minerals, LLC · Struck against a moving object

Heavy rains created slick environment causing loader operator's equipment to slide hitting the back wheels off a hole. This jolted EE inside the cab causing them to hit head off window causing small laceration (EE was wearing seatbelt), 9/20/18 first aid case. 10/22/18 EE went to chiropractor after medical evaluation, referred them to, indicating they had a neck sprain.

August 12, 2018 WY · Metal/Non-Metal miner, prospector, nec HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Bentonite Performance Minerals, LLC · Struck by flying object

Employee was having a hard time closing the bottom door on a railcar. They grabbed a hammer to hit the door, the hammer handle ricocheted and hit the EE in the mouth chipping front right tooth.

April 20, 2018 WY · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Bentonite Performance Minerals, LLC · Caught in, under or between (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE went on break, noticed dusting in main packer. Went to MCC panel check that dust fan was on (seen that the dust vane & #6 screw were off like they're supposed to be). EE went to dust vane visual inspection port, removed the inspection cap to see if product was flowing, stuck hand in port, while pulling their hand back out caught their fingers tips on the vane fins.

March 8, 2018 WY · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Bentonite Performance Minerals LLC · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

As of 3/8/2018 this was a first aid incident, upon further review from medical advisers this became a Recordable/Lost time as of 4/4/2018 at 7:00am.

January 27, 2018 WY · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Bentonite Performance Minerals, LLC · Struck against stationary object

EE caught toe in pallet lost balance and used right arm to catch themselves from falling to ground on 01/27/18, incident was first aid case. 04/02/18 Workers Comp was contacted (#201802962) due to limited progress on shoulder. Upon further review from medical advisers this became a Recordable/Lost Time as of 06/19/18.

January 10, 2018 WY · Metal/Non-Metal drill operator SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Bentonite Performance Minerals LLC · Fall to the walkway or working surface

Employee was walking from the office to the work truck to start daily duties when ee slipped on a patch of ice that was covered by a thin layer of fresh snow, landing on elbow, hitting a manhole in the road way, causing a laceration in the elbow. First aid was administered at the time of the injury.

August 1, 2017 WY · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator MACHINERY
Bentonite Performance Minerals, LLC · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

Operating Mills Beater. The belt took employee's glove off and took off the tip of employee's finger.

July 26, 2017 WY · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech STEPPING OR KNEELING ON OBJECT
Bentonite Performance Minerals LLC · Struck against stationary object

Collecting rail road ties for a contractor the employee climbed on the pile to get some short ties. When coming off the pile, the footing was unstable and they stepped back off the pile directly onto a large nail with their left foot. The nail went through the boot and punctured the foot.

November 21, 2016 WY · Metal/Non-Metal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver OTHER
Bentonite Performance Minerals, LLC · (Not Elsewhere Classified)

No contributing factor; employee suffered a stroke.

August 12, 2016 WY · Metal/Non-Metal bulldozer operator, universal operator, heavy equipment operator, operating engineer POWERED HAULAGE
Bentonite Performance Minerals LLC · Struck against a moving object

Pit conditions were normal as well as machinery operating conditions; operator hit something on the ground and felt a pop in groin.

April 20, 2016 WY · Metal/Non-Metal bagging, package operator MACHINERY
Bentonite Performance Minerals LLC · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee bent over in front of hole plug packer when inadvertent material came out of machine hitting employee under the safety glasses, making contact with the eye.

September 3, 2015 WY · Metal/Non-Metal driller, highwall operator, highwall drill operator SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Bentonite Performance Minerals LLC · Fall to the walkway or working surface

Employee was walking some potential drilling areas and slipped and fell on some small loose rock. When employee fell to the surface his ankle was fractured.

August 6, 2015 WY · Metal/Non-Metal bulldozer operator, universal operator, heavy equipment operator, operating engineer SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Bentonite Performance Minerals LLC · Fall from machine

Employee was on Dozer's catwalk in order to clean the back window. As he moved toward the right side of cab, he stepped onto the track, then slipped from the track to the ground. He stated he was using three points of contact and there was no material on the track. He drove the CAT dozer over to another Dozer working in the pit and received first aid. Taken in for Medical Care.

July 28, 2015 WY · Metal/Non-Metal mine manager, mine foreman, mine owner SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Bentonite Performance Minerals LLC · Fall to the walkway or working surface

An Independent Owner Operator was preparing to tarp a customer load, as the operator was maneuvering trying to place the tarp on the freight, a gust of wind caught the tarp causing the operator to lose his footing and fall down striking his right knee on the corrugated iron walkway work platform.

June 12, 2015 WY · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Bentonite Performance Minerals LLC · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

The employees left index finger was pinched between a pallet of material and a live roller as the pallet was being moved from the hooder system. The tip of the left index finger and part of the fingernail was lacerated during incident.

May 15, 2015 WY · Metal/Non-Metal lab technician HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Bentonite Performance Minerals, LLC · Struck against stationary object

An employee was not maintaining an awareness of their surroundings while walking in a laboratory when their shoulder came into contact with a handle which was protruding from a laboratory oven door. The case was treated with first aid initially but after several weeks it required medical treatment.

May 11, 2015 WY · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Bentonite Performance Minerals, LLC · Fall to the walkway or working surface

The employee was taking a shortcut by walking across a rail yard in wet and muddy conditions. The employee slipped and fell to the same level resulting in an injury which required medical treatment.

June 10, 2014 WY · Metal/Non-Metal bulldozer operator, universal operator, heavy equipment operator, operating engineer HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Bentonite Performance Minerals, LLC · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was clearing mud from a piece of equipment with a shovel and began to experience lower back pain.

March 13, 2014 WY · Metal/Non-Metal drill operator SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Bentonite Performance Minerals LLC · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was walking on the deck and water tanks to the rear of the drill to replace the air filters for the engine and compression slipped when on the water tank and twisted ankle on the deck of the drill.

February 16, 2014 WY · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Bentonite Performance Minerals, LLC · Fall to the walkway or working surface

Employee slipped on an icy walkway (following an ice storm) and fell to the same level resulting in injuries which required medical treatment. The employee suffered a broken hip.

June 11, 2013 WY · Metal/Non-Metal bulldozer operator, universal operator, heavy equipment operator, operating engineer HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Bentonite Performance Minerals LLC · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

While moving a small water pump, the chain hooked to the pump frame slipped to one side and pinched employee's finger causing a laceration

May 8, 2013 WY · Metal/Non-Metal welder (shop) SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Bentonite Performance Minerals LLC · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee's left ankle gave out and his left leg went through a small hole (approximately 11" diameter) in the catwalk he had just uncovered. He was holding onto a handrail with his left hand. When he reacted to the sudden motion of the fall, he felt a sharp pain in his left shoulder. Initial exam of the shoulder was a strained and possibly torn left rotator cuff.

February 7, 2013 WY · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Bentonite Performance Minerals, LLC · Over-exertion in lifting objects

An employee was manually lifting 100 pound packages of material from one stack to another when discomfort was noticed in the right arm.

January 28, 2013 WY · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Bentonite Performance Minerals LLC · Caught in, under or between (Not Elsewhere Classified)

was positioning final drive, swung over and smashed finger between ripper cylinder and final drive on dozer. Finger is cut (no stitches) and bruised

May 17, 2012 WY · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Bentonite Performance Minerals LLC · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

While changing a 637 Scraper Tire, the employee lost his grip on the tire flange that was positioned against the tire and on a 8" X 10" X 48" long block. The tire flange drop onto the employee's left foot. The caregiver diagnosed a foot fracture.

April 11, 2012 WY · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Bentonite Performance Minerals, LLC · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

Employee used his right hand to pull a pallet down some free rollers and another pallet came down rollers and pinched the tip of his 3rd finger on right hand between the two pallets. He received a hair line crack on tip and also received stitches.

Showing 50 of 133