Mining Incidents

Every mining fatality in Iowa

MSHA's accident file records 30 fatalities at mines in Iowa since 1983, listed by year. Each links to its incident record.

2026 1 fatality

June 26, 2026 IA · Metal/Non-Metal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver Fatality · POWERED HAULAGE
Le Claire Investments Inc · Struck by powered moving object

Contractor equipment transporter was in process of loading and securing front end loader to trailer for off-site transit. Contractor employee reached under the loader to grad a chain on trailer and was caught between the loader and trailer.

2020 2 fatalities

August 21, 2020 IA · Metal/Non-Metal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver Fatality · MACHINERY
Martin Marietta Materials Inc. · Struck by falling object

Customer driver was found unresponsive outside the customer's truck. Cause of death is unknown.

January 8, 2020 IA · Metal/Non-Metal quality control technician, laboratory technician, laboratory assistant Fatality · SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Wendling Quarries Inc · Fall to lower level, (Not Elsewhere Classified)

FELL INTO LIME BIN.

2018 1 fatality

January 25, 2018 IA · Metal/Non-Metal bulldozer operator, universal operator, heavy equipment operator, operating engineer Fatality · POWERED HAULAGE
Hallett Materials · Drowning

EE was fatally injured when the articulated haul truck EE was operating traveled off of a haul road into a lake at the Hallett Materials sand and gravel pit. The crew was stockpiling production material during the night shift when they noticed EE was missing. Crew members began searching for the missing EE and found EE's haul truck submerged in water.

2017 1 fatality

January 25, 2017 IA · Metal/Non-Metal truck driver Fatality · FALL OF FACE/RIB/PILLAR/SIDE/HIGHWALL
Linwood Mining and Minerals Corporation · Caught in, under or between collapsing material or buildings

EE was reported missing and was later discovered under a rib failure several hours later. The miner was found in an abandoned section of the mine beyond a barricade berm, along the top of a 20 foot high, waste material spoil pile. The victim was recovered on 1/26/17 at approximately 3:30am. and officially pronounce dead by the local medical examiner.

2016 1 fatality

March 22, 2016 IA · Metal/Non-Metal outside foreman, leadman Fatality · EXPLOSIVES AND BREAKING AGENTS
Martin Marietta Materials Inc. · Struck by flying object

On March 22, 2016 at approximately 6:35pm an employee was struck by flyrock after a shot was detonated. The employee was sitting inside of a pickup approximately 1,200 feet away from the shot when detonated. This incident resulted in a fatality.

2015 1 fatality

December 15, 2015 IA · Metal/Non-Metal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman Fatality · MACHINERY
Continental Cement Company, LLC · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Sub-contracted tow truck was dispatched to tow super sucker truck. Boom of tow truck was being operated by tow truck employee #1 when it struck tow truck employee #2 in the head. Employee #2 was taken by ambulance to local ER for treatment where he later passed away. Most data unknown due to HIPPA and subcontractor status of deceased

2014 1 fatality

February 27, 2014 IA · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech Fatality · SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Martin Marietta Materials, Inc. · Fall from machine

Emp a contract worker repairing a Scaler in Mod 12. The emp had fallen to the ground in fetal position, locked arms, clenched fist and bleeding from the ears. The witness did not know if the emp fell from a height or ground level. The injured emp was airlifted. He was lacking oxygen to brain for 10 minutes. He was pronounced dead at 9:45AM on Feb 28.

2011 1 fatality

November 7, 2011 IA · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator Fatality · MACHINERY
Anderson Sand & Gravel · Caught in, under or between running or meshing objects

Employee fell into jaw crusher, resulting in his death.

2009 1 fatality

April 7, 2009 IA · Metal/Non-Metal assayer, geologist, metallurgist, engineer, engineer management Fatality · ELECTRICAL
Hallett Materials · Contact with electrical current

Employee was connecting power cord that feeds the dredge.

2008 2 fatalities

November 17, 2008 IA · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech Fatality · POWERED HAULAGE
Douds Stone, Inc. · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

While repairing a gate post, three employees, using a service truck and a Cat 950B loader, "to reshape the post". While the loader was moving into position its brakes failed and overran his intended point and an employee.

April 24, 2008 IA · Metal/Non-Metal laborer, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, roof trimmer/scaler Fatality · POWERED HAULAGE
Pattison Company, LLC · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

Employee was backed over by the 988H loader, when the loader operator was backing the machine to turn around.

2004 1 fatality

October 12, 2004 IA · Metal/Non-Metal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver Fatality · POWERED HAULAGE
Douds Stone, Inc. · Struck against a moving object

WHILE TAKING A LOAD OF FINES TO THE STOCK PILE, EMPLOYEE WAS RETURNING TO THE PIT AREA (WITH A LOADED TRUCK). WHILE ROUNDING A CURVE IN THE HAUL ROAD, EMPLOYEE WENT THROUGH A BERM CAUSING THE TRUCK TO ROLL. EMPLOYEE WAS CRUSHED BY THE TRUCK HE WAS DRIVING.

2001 1 fatality

October 17, 2001 IA · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech Fatality · MACHINERY
Schildberg Construction Company Inc · Struck by falling object

WHILE GETTING READY TO MOVE THE EXPLOSIVE STORAGE TRAILER EMPLOYEE WAS REMOVING CRIBBING AND THE BLOCKING UNDER THE TRAILER TRUCKS FAILED CAUSING THE TRAILER TO TIP AND THE EMPLOYEE WAS CRUSHE D UNDER THE WEIGHT OF THE TRAILER.

1999 1 fatality

September 29, 1999 IA · Metal/Non-Metal laborer, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, roof trimmer/scaler Fatality · POWERED HAULAGE
Bruening Rock Products Inc · Caught in, under or between (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EMPLOYEE APPARENTLY ATTEMPTED TO EXIT MACHINE TO THE RIGHT UNDER THE BOOM. WHILE EXITING, THE EMPLOYEE'S HIP ENGAGED THE BOOM LOWER CONTROL, CAUSING THE BOOM TO LOWER AND CRUSH EMPLOYEE'S TORS O, CAUSING FATAL INTERNAL INJURIES.

1998 3 fatalities

July 23, 1998 IA · Metal/Non-Metal mine manager, mine foreman, mine owner Fatality · POWERED HAULAGE
Howard Construction Company · Struck against a moving object

HE WAS PUSHED THROUGH THE WINDSHIELD BY THE BACK OF THE ROLL CANOPY.

July 14, 1998 IA · Metal/Non-Metal barge/boat/dredge/towbarge/towboat/leach operator, riverman, deck hand Fatality · MACHINERY
Hahn Ready Mix · Caught in, under or between running or meshing objects

APPEARS TO HAVE BEEN CAUGHT IN PINCH POINT.

May 14, 1998 IA · Metal/Non-Metal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver Fatality · POWERED HAULAGE
Schildberg Construction Company Inc · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

THE VICTIM WAS IN THE PROCESS OF DUMPING HIS LOADED TEREX TRUCK AT THE WAST DUMP. THE TRUCK TRAVELLED OVER THE EDGE AND THE DRIVER WAS FOUND PINNED UNDER THE LEFT FRONT TIRE.

1997 1 fatality

April 27, 1997 IA · Metal/Non-Metal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver Fatality · SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON

TRUCK DRIVER OR TRISTATE TRANSPORT SUFFERED FATAL TRAUMATIC HEAD INJURIED WHEN HE FELL. VICTIM FAILED TO USE A SAFETY BELT AND LINE RESTRAINT SYSTEM AT TRUCK WASH AREA BEHIND THE LIME PLANT. V ICTIM CLIMBED ON TOP OF TANK TRAILER TO HOSE IT OFF. WAS FOUND SHORT TIME LATER LYING ON GROUND WITH SEVERE HEAD INJURIED AND NO VITAL SIGNS.

1996 1 fatality

May 16, 1996 IA · Metal/Non-Metal front-end loader, scraper-loader operator, pan operator, payloader, scraper rig operator Fatality · POWERED HAULAGE
Rohlin Construction Company Inc · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

CONVEYOR WAS ENERGIZED WITH EE ON IT. HEAD CAME IN CONTACT WITH STEEL FRAME.

1994 1 fatality

March 10, 1994 IA · Metal/Non-Metal front-end loader, scraper-loader operator, pan operator, payloader, scraper rig operator Fatality · POWERED HAULAGE
Greene Limestone Company · Struck against a moving object

EMPLOYEE WAS IN HIS PICKUP WHEN TRUCK ARRIVED TO BE LOADED WITH LIME. EMPLOYEE DROVE PICKUP AT HIGH RATE OF SPEED TOWARDS THE AREA OF THE LIME PILE, STRUCK TWO STOCKPILES OF FROZEN MATERIAL AN D ROLLED PICKUP TWICE. IT HAS BEEN DETERMINED EMPLOYEE SUFFERED A STROKE PRIOR TO ACCIDENT, CAUSING ACCIDENT.

1993 1 fatality

August 14, 1993 IA · Metal/Non-Metal prep plant foreman, supervisor, mill plant supervisor, kiln supervisor Fatality · OTHER
Martin Marietta Aggregates · (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EMPLOYEE ENTERED A WELL PIT INSPECTING THE AREA WHEN HE COLLAPSED.THE PIT IS APPROXIMATELY 7' DEEP.

1992 1 fatality

July 14, 1992 IA · Metal/Non-Metal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver Fatality · POWERED HAULAGE
Welden Aggregates Inc · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

VICTIM WAS BETWEEN RAISED DUMP BOX AND TRUCK FRAME. HE DID NOT ENGAGE THE PROVIDED MECHANISM TO KEEP BOX FROM COMING DOWN. BY CAME DOWN AND CRUSHED VICTIM. VICTIM DIED FROM ACCIDENT INSTRANTNA IOUSLY.

1989 1 fatality

December 4, 1989 IA · Metal/Non-Metal front-end loader, scraper-loader operator, pan operator, payloader, scraper rig operator Fatality · POWERED HAULAGE
Schildberg Construction Company Inc · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

HE HAD JUST LOADED UP ON THE CUT AND WAS COMING DOWN THE RAMP TO UN-LOAD.THE OPERATORS WITH SCRAPERS HAD BEEN INSTRUCTED TO LOWER THE SCRAPER PANS WHEN GOING DOWN GRADE.HE DROPPED IT TOO MUCH AND STOPPED THE TRACTOR,HE THEN RAISED THE PAN BUT DID NOT LOWER IT AGAIN.THE WEIGHT OF THE LOAD IN THE SCRAPER CAUSED THE TRACTOR TO JACK-KNIFE AND TO UPSET OFF THE EDGE OF THE RAMP.HE WAS TR

1988 1 fatality

October 24, 1988 IA · Metal/Non-Metal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver Fatality · POWERED HAULAGE
L & W Construction Company · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

CAT LOADER WAS CLEANING UP IN PIT CAT TRUCK PULLED BEHIND LOADER LOADER BACKED INTO FRONT END OF TRUCK CRUSHING DRIVER OF TRUCK BETWEEN LOADER AND TRUCK ON LADDER AS HE WAS DESCENDING LADDERWA Y

1986 1 fatality

May 29, 1986 IA · Metal/Non-Metal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver Fatality · POWERED HAULAGE
River Products Company Inc · Struck against a moving object

EMPLOYEE WAS HA6LING SHOT ROCK TO THE CRUSHER ON COMPANY OWNED HAUL ROAD. AN ASPHALT PLANT LOCATED ADJACENT TO THE QUARRY WAS HAULING MATERIAL ON THE SAME ROAD. (ROAD WAS RESTRICTED TO THESE V EHICLES ONLY). 3,NAME MET ONE OF THE ASPHALT TRUCKS ON THE ROADWAY. THE ASPHALT TRUCK STOPPED TO LET HIM PASS. IN PASSING, I,NAME GOT TOO CLOSE TO THE EDGE. THE SHOULDER GAVE WAY AND THE TRUC

1985 2 fatalities

August 15, 1985 IA · Metal/Non-Metal blaster, shooter, shotfirer, explosive worker, powder gang/monkey Fatality · FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
River Products Company Inc · Struck by falling object

BEGINING HIS WORK SHIFT AFTER LUNCH-READYING HIMSELF TO CLEAN OUT THE BOTTOM-ROW OF DRILL HOLES. A SLAB OF LIMESTONE FELL FROM THE CEILING OF THE MINE, APPROX. 15\X30\ WITH A DEPTH OF 4" TO 12 " AND PART OF SAME STRUCK HIM.

February 24, 1985 IA · Metal/Non-Metal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver Fatality · POWERED HAULAGE

VICTIM WAS DRIVING DUST DUMP TRUCK. HE HAD BEEN INSTRUCTED IN DESIGNATED AREA AWAY FROM WATER & WITH PROPER BERMS. FOR UNKNOWN REASON HE WAS DUMPING IN UNAUTHORIZED AREA WITH NO BERM & AT WAT ERS EDGE. HE BACKED VEHICLE TO DUMP & VEHICLE WENT OVER BANK LANDING ON ITS TOP IN QUARRY POND 30\ FROM BANK & IN 6\-8\ OF WATER. VICTIM WAS ENGULFED BY WATER & DROWNED. PRELIMINARY CORONERS R

1984 2 fatalities

March 16, 1984 IA · Coal roof bolter, rock bolter, pinner, mobile roof support operator (mrs) Fatality · EXPLOSIVES AND BREAKING AGENTS
Superior Coal Company · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EMPLOYEE WAS ROOF BOLTING ON ONE SIDE OF A CROSSCUT. ON OPPOSITE SIDE EXPLOSIVE CHARGES HAD TEEBEEN SET. THEY WERE THEN UNINTENTIONALLY DETONATED

February 3, 1984 IA · Metal/Non-Metal cleanup man, cleanup worker Fatality · POWERED HAULAGE

KEVIN DUGAN WAS HAULING FLUME DUST IN A EUCLID R35 DUMP TRUCK ON HIS SEVENTH LOAD HE BACKED OVER OR THRU THE BERM AND DOWN A 45 TO 50 FOOT BANK INTO 25 FEET OF WATER