Mining Incidents

Every mining fatality in North Carolina

MSHA's accident file records 32 fatalities at mines in North Carolina since 1983, listed by year. Each links to its incident record.

2025 1 fatality

March 5, 2025 NC · Metal/Non-Metal welder (non-shop) Fatality · POWERED HAULAGE
Martin Marietta Materials, Inc. · Caught in, under or between running or meshing objects

Employee was found entangled in conveyor 12 tail pulley. Responding authorities pronounced the employee deceased. Incident is still under investigation.

2017 1 fatality

September 5, 2017 NC · Metal/Non-Metal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman Fatality · POWERED HAULAGE
G S MATERIALS INC · Caught in, under or between running or meshing objects

The victim was the Kolberg Plant Operator. Employee may have been trying to perform maintenance on the tail pulley or conveyor belt, when employee became entangled in the conveyor system, causing fatal injuries. The operator is continuing to investigate the root cause(s) of this accident.

2016 1 fatality

September 8, 2016 NC · Metal/Non-Metal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver Fatality · POWERED HAULAGE
Heidelberg Materials Southeast Agg LLC · Struck against a moving object

Employee was fatally injured when the haul truck employee was operating drove off the haul road and fell into the quarry pit below

2012 1 fatality

April 11, 2012 NC · Metal/Non-Metal bulldozer operator, universal operator, heavy equipment operator, operating engineer Fatality · FALLING/SLIDING/ROLLING MATERIALS
G S Materials Inc · Fall to the walkway or working surface

Miners were removing a counterweight from an excavator, standing side-by-side, when the counter-weight dropped unexpectedly to the ground.The victim stumbled backwards,fell landed on the back of his head on the shop floor. He was unresponsive during CPR. The autopsy report concludes the proximate cause of death as"commotio cerebri"noting also cardiac arrest.

2011 1 fatality

March 2, 2011 NC · Metal/Non-Metal outside foreman, leadman Fatality · FALLING/SLIDING/ROLLING MATERIALS
PCS Phosphate Company Inc · Struck by falling object

Victim was part of a crew that was welding hdpe pipe using a McElroy fusion machine. While attempting to position pipe in to fusion machine, using an excavator, the pipe struck the victim in the head.

2007 1 fatality

February 19, 2007 NC · Metal/Non-Metal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver Fatality · NONPOWERED HAULAGE
Martin Marietta Materials, Inc. · Caught in, under or between two or more moving objects

An R-35 Euclid Haul truck and a rail car collided.

2004 1 fatality

September 16, 2004 NC · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech Fatality · MACHINERY
Southern Products & Silica Company Inc · Struck by falling object

Employee attempted to replace starter on Hyster H50XM forklift, jacked forklift up with a 10 ton hydraulic floor jack. He did not put any blocks or shorwings under forklift to prevent it from falling. He then got under forklift to repair starter and forlift then fell off jack causing major head injuries. Employee died.

2003 1 fatality

May 15, 2003 NC · Metal/Non-Metal welder (shop) Fatality · MACHINERY
Martin Marietta Aggregates · Struck by falling object

TWO EMPLOYEES WERE IN THE PROCESS OF ASSEMBLING THE FRAMEWORK OF A SCREEN TOWER. WHEN ONE SIDE FRAME WAS SET WITH A 15 TON BRIDGE CRANE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT SOME ALIGNMENT WAS NEEDED BEFORE THE SIDE FRAME COULD BE BOLTED INTO PLACE. HE ATTEMPTED TO RECONNECT THE SPREADER CHAINS TO ENBLE THE SIDE FRAME TO BE LIFTED. WHILE RAISING CRANE IT FELL ON THE INJURED IN THE BACK.

2001 2 fatalities

December 4, 2001 NC · Metal/Non-Metal miner, nec Fatality · SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
3M Company · Fall from scaffolds, walkways, platforms

EMPLOYEE TOOK A "SHORT CUT". EMPLOYEE NEVER USED HIS FALL PROTECTION EQUIPMENT WHILE TAKING HIS "SHORT CUT", THE RESULT WAS THIS EMPLOYEE FALLING OFF A BEAM. THE EE FELL TO HIS DEATH 46' BELOW . EMPLOYEE HAD ALL HIS FALL PROTECTION EQUIPMENTSECURED TO HIS HARNESS AND NEVER ATTEMPTED TO SECURE THEM TO PREVENT THE FALL.

July 4, 2001 NC · Metal/Non-Metal truck driver Fatality · POWERED HAULAGE
Unimin Corporation · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

AN APPARENT BRAKE MALFUNCTION CAUSED THE VICTIM TO EXIT THE CAB & WAS PULLED UNDER THE REAR WHEELS OR HE PARKED IT & CRAWLED UNDER THE BED TO CHECK A PROBLEM. EITHER SENARIO CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO ROLL OVER HIS BODY CRUSHING HIM TO DEATH. THERE WAS NO APPARENT DAMAGE TO THE TRUCK.

2000 2 fatalities

June 24, 2000 NC · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech Fatality · MACHINERY
Vulcan Construction Materials, LLC · Struck by falling object

EE WAS CUTTING A TREE, WHEN THE TRACKHOE OPERATOR INADVERTENTLY PLACED A SMALL TREE IN THE AREA IN WHICH HE WAS WORKING SERIOUSLY INJURING EE. EE WAS AIRLIFTED TO MISSION/ST JOESPH'S HOSPITAL IN ASHEVILLE, N.C.

June 11, 2000 NC · Metal/Non-Metal stone finishing and sizing personnel, stone/rock cut/polish/saw operator, splitter, cutter, trimmer Fatality · MACHINERY
The N. C. Granite Corp · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

THE OPERATOR WAS ATTEMPTING TO PLACE A WEDGE BETWEEN THE TWO BLOCKS THAT HAD BEEN SAWN, A ROUGH BACK FELL PINNING THE OPERATOR AGAINST THE OTHER BLOCK.

1999 2 fatalities

September 7, 1999 NC · Metal/Non-Metal electrician, lineman Fatality · ELECTRICAL
Martin Marietta Aggregates · Contact with electrical current

HE WAS MAKING SURE THE WIRE WAS NOT CROSSED IN PREPARATION TO CONNECTING CONDUCTOR TO HANDLINE BEFORE PULLING TO POLE PLACEMENT.

May 10, 1999 NC · Metal/Non-Metal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman Fatality · POWERED HAULAGE
The N. C. Granite Corp · Struck by falling object

EE WAS PART OF LEDGE CREW REMOVING BLOCKS AT NORTH STATE LEDGE. A SEAM IN THE WALL WAS NOTICED BESIDE THE NEXT TWO BLOCKS TO BE QUARRIED. THE ENTIRE CREW WAS TOLD TO STAY BACK WHILE THE FORKLI FTS REMOVE THE STONE. EE STEPED IN TO PICK UP A METAL BAR WHILE THE BLOCK WAS BEING REMOVED. THE SEAM OPENED UP AND A COLUMN OF STONE HIT EE.

1998 1 fatality

August 15, 1998 NC · Metal/Non-Metal Fatality · POWERED HAULAGE
Martin Marietta Aggregates · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

STRUCK ON LEFT SIDE OF CHEST BY LEFT FRONT TIRE OF CHEVROLET WHTE 1500 TRUCK, CAUSING BROKEN RIBS.

1997 1 fatality

July 8, 1997 NC · Metal/Non-Metal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver Fatality · POWERED HAULAGE
Hanson Aggregates Carolina Inc · Struck against a moving object

DRIVER FATALLY INJURED WHEN TRUCK WAS STRUCK BY TRAIN AT RR CROSSING.

1996 2 fatalities

October 9, 1996 NC · Metal/Non-Metal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman Fatality · FALLING/SLIDING/ROLLING MATERIALS
The N. C. Granite Corp · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

EE HELPED UNLOAD 14 TON QUARRY BLOCK FROM FLAT BED TRUCK. THE OVERHEAD CRANE AT SAW SHED WAS USED TO LIFT THE STOVE WIRE TOPE WAS USED. THE EE AND CRANE OPEROTOR PLACED THE BLOCK ON TOP OF ANO THER BLOCK. IN A ROW OF BLOCKS STOCKED TOO HIGH THE CABLE WAS SLACKED TO SEE IF BLOCK WAS GOING TO SIT FINE. AFTER TWO MINE. THE CABLE WAS UNHOOKED. AS EE WALKED AROUND TO THE OTHER SIDE OF B

May 28, 1996 NC · Metal/Non-Metal assistant mine foreman, assistant mine manager Fatality · FALL OF FACE/RIB/PILLAR/SIDE/HIGHWALL
B & W Stone Company · Struck by falling object

A ROCK FELL APROX. 15 TO 20 FT FROM A HIGH WALL STRIKING VICTIM IN THE HEAD, CAUSING A FATAL SKKULL FRACTURE.

1994 1 fatality

November 15, 1994 NC · Metal/Non-Metal bulldozer operator, universal operator, heavy equipment operator, operating engineer Fatality · MACHINERY
Harrison Construction Co Div/APAC-Tennessee Inc · Caught in, under or between (Not Elsewhere Classified)

THE EMPLOYEE WAS OPERATING A MOTOR GRADER IN REVERSE AND HIT THE BERM AND ROLLED PINNING THE VICTIM UNDERNEATH. THE VICTIM WAS NOT WEARING A SAFETY BELT.

1993 1 fatality

July 24, 1993 NC · Metal/Non-Metal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman Fatality · MACHINERY
Martin Marietta Aggregates · Struck by falling object

EMPLOYEE WAS SHOVELING SPOIL FROM AROUND THE AUGER.ANOTHER EMPLOYEE WAS OPERATING THE AUGER AND HE WENT TO PULL THE AUGER OUT OF THE HOLE,THE WHIPLINE CABLE BROKE ABOVE THE HEADACHE BALL AND F ELL KNOCKING OFF EMPLOYEE'S HARDHAT STRIKING HIM IN THE HEAD.

1991 1 fatality

January 18, 1991 NC · Metal/Non-Metal welder (shop) Fatality · FALLING/SLIDING/ROLLING MATERIALS
Texasgulf Inc · Struck by falling object

WELDOR WAS IN TRENCH WELDING 30" DIA PIPE WHEN SECTION OF TRENCH WALL BROKE LOOSE & FELL AGAINST EMPL CRUSHING HEAD AGAINST PIPE

1989 1 fatality

June 1, 1989 NC · Metal/Non-Metal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman Fatality · EXPLOSIVES AND BREAKING AGENTS
N C Granite Corp · Struck by flying object

EMPLOYEE DRILLED INTO A MISFIRE, THAT HAD GONE UNDETECTED FROM THE DAY BEFORE. WHEN HE HAMMERED A WEDGE INTO THE STONE AN APPARENT SPARK IGNITED THE MISFIRE. THE EMPLOYEE WAS FATALLY INJURED.

1986 2 fatalities

February 24, 1986 NC · Metal/Non-Metal crane operator, mobile equipment operator (meo), dragline operator, dropball operator, rigger Fatality · FALLING/SLIDING/ROLLING MATERIALS
Vulcan Construction Materials, LLC · Struck by falling object

I.NAME WAS REMO5ING A 10' SECTION OF BOOM FROM A 108 LINK BELT CRANE. I.NAME FAILED TO BLOCK & SECURE THE BOOM BEFORE POSITIONING HIMSELF UNDER THE BOOM TO REMOVE THE LAST BOTTOM PIN. WHEN THE LAST PIN W5S REMOVED THE BOOM COLLAPSED PINNING I.NAME BETWEEN THE BOOM & GROUND.

January 22, 1986 NC · Metal/Non-Metal coal/ore shovel operator, shoveler, power shoveler Fatality · SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
The Feldspar Corporation · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

EE WAS GREASING3SHOVEL & APPARENTLY SLIPPED & FELL ON DECK OF SHOVEL CAUGHT GREASE HOSE ON WALK LEVER IN SHOVEL. WEIGHT F BODY TANGLED IN GREASE HOSE AVTIVATED SHOVEL OVER OPERATOR.

1985 2 fatalities

April 15, 1985 NC · Metal/Non-Metal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver Fatality · POWERED HAULAGE
Martin Marietta Aggregates · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

DRIVER OUT OF CAB DURING LOADING OPERATIONS. FATTALY INJURED.

February 24, 1985 NC · Metal/Non-Metal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver Fatality · POWERED HAULAGE
Indusmin Inc · Fall from machine

DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF TRUCK WHILE CHANGING GEAR. HE THEN JUMPED FROM THE TRUCK STRIKING HIS HEAD OVER A ROCK CAUSING THE FATAL INJURY ACCORDING TO THE ONLY WITNESS.

1984 4 fatalities

December 19, 1984 NC · Metal/Non-Metal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver Fatality · FALLING/SLIDING/ROLLING MATERIALS
Vulcan Construction Materials, LLC · Caught in, under or between collapsing material or buildings

DUE TO THE FACE THAT THERE WERE NO WITNESSES, WE THEREFOIRM ASSUME THAT I NAME HAD GONE TO THER REAR OF HIS TRUCK FOR ONE OR MORE REASONS AND AT THE TIME HE ARRIVED AND OR WAS LEAVING THE LOCA TION, THE STOCKPILE BEHIND HIS TRUCK SLOUGED OFF KNOCKING HIM DOWN AND COVERED I NAME WITH MINUS 1 1/2 INCH MATERIALS.

December 19, 1984 NC · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech Fatality · SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Martin Marietta Aggregates · Fall from scaffolds, walkways, platforms

EMPLOYEE WAS HELPING TO REPLACE A BEARING ON THE TAKE-UP PULLEY ON CONVEYOR ELEVEN. HE FELL APPROX 45\ TO THE GROUND FROM THE CATWALK SIDE OF THE CONVEYOR. NO ONE ACTUALLY SAW HIM FALL UNTIL T HEY HEARD HIM YELL ON THE WAY DOWN. THE MIDDLE HANDRAIL WELD WAS BROKEN

June 8, 1984 NC · Metal/Non-Metal front-end loader, scraper-loader operator, pan operator, payloader, scraper rig operator Fatality · POWERED HAULAGE
Hammill Construction Company Inc · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

I,NAME WAS STARTING TO UNLOAD ON THE STOCK PILE, HE STARTED BOUNCING IN HIS SEAT FROM EXCESSIVE SPEED, AND ROUGHNESS OF THE GROUND FROM A PREVIOUS LOAD. THIS IS THE OPINING OF THE TWO WITNESSE S, ALSO THEY SAID THAT JEFF WAS STILL ACCELERATING AND GOING TOO FAST, FASTER THAN HE HAD BEEN GOING EARLIER. HE WAS BOUNCED OFF THE SCRAPER AND RUN OVER BY THE TIRES.

June 8, 1984 NC · Metal/Non-Metal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver Fatality · POWERED HAULAGE
B V Hedrick Gravel & Sand · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

B-70 EUCLID DRIFTED TO LEFT SIDE OF ROAD AT A VERY SLOW SPEED(-1 MILE PER HR) AND WENT OVER EMBANKMENT. I,NAME JUMPED OUT OF EUCLID AND EUCLID SLID DOWN EMBANKMENT PUSHING DIRT AGAINST I,NAME NNING HIM AGAINST A TREE AT A DITCH.

1983 2 fatalities

November 26, 1983 NC · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator Fatality · POWERED HAULAGE
Foote Mineral Company · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

EMPLOYEE APPARENTLY HAD HIS BELT AND CLOTHING TO BECOME ENTANGLED ON SHAFT CAUSING CONSTRUCTION TO CENTER OF BODY RESULTING IN DEATGH

November 23, 1983 NC · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator Fatality · MACHINERY
Fletcher Limestone Company Inc · Fall from machine

EMPLOYEE WAS CLEANING OFF PLATFORM OF CONE CRUSHER ROCK BOUNCED OFF OF SCREEN H ITTING EMPLOYEE AROUND BASE OF NECK KNOCKING EMPLOYEE UNDER GUARD RAIL TO CONCFRETE APRON BELOW