Mining Fatalities

MNM Fatal – 3/28/26

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On March 28, 2026, a contractor died after falling approximately 37 feet through an unsecured roof panel of a shaker screen deck while conducting roof repairs.

Best Practices

  • Provide and maintain safe access to all work areas.
  • Always use approved fall protection systems when working at heights where a fall hazard is present. Ensure fall protection has a suitable fall arrest connection and secure anchorage system.
  • Ensure miners are properly trained for the assigned task, including the proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and recognizing fall hazards. 
  • Conduct a thorough inspection of the workplace and all required PPE before commencing any work activities to identify and mitigate potential hazards.
  • Ensure contractors receive appropriate training prior to performing work.

Additional Information

This is the sixth fatality reported in 2026, and the first classified as “Slip or Fall of Person.”

Click here for: Preliminary Report (pdf)

MNM Fatal – 3/12/26

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On March 12, 2026, a contract mechanic died after the boom of a drill mast rolled, struck, and pinned him.

Best Practices

  • Block equipment, including components or assemblies, from unexpected movement before beginning work.
  • Follow manufacturer-recommended maintenance procedures. 
  • Bleed off all air prior to hooking up hydraulic lines. Use bleed valves when installed and fully cycle actuators in all directions.
  • Train miners in safe work procedures and hazard recognition. Monitor personnel routinely to ensure they follow safe work procedures.

Additional Information

This is the fifth fatality reported in 2026, and the third classified as “Machinery.”

Click here for: Preliminary Report (pdf)

Coal Fatal – 3/5/26

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On March 5, 2026, a continuous mining machine operator died after being pinned against the coal rib by a continuous mining machine.

Best Practices

  • Operate equipment from a safe location. Stay out of “Red Zone” areas including pinch points, the continuous mining machine (CMM) turning radius, and areas between the CMM and the ribs. 
  • Develop and implement procedures for tramming, repositioning, cable handling, and moving remote controlled CMMs safely.
  • Maintain the proximity detection systems (PDS) in the approved operating condition. Perform manufacturer-recommended tests to ensure the PDS is functioning properly.
  • Position miner wearable components (MWCs) in accordance with the PDS manufacturer’s recommendations so users can see and hear warning lights and sounds. 
  • Mine operators must ensure MWCs are properly worn.
  • Train miners on the functionality and importance of the PDS.

Additional Information

This is the fourth fatality reported in 2026, and the second classified as “Machinery.”

Click here for: Preliminary Report (pdf)

MNM Fatal – 3/3/26

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On March 3, 2026, a contractor died while working in an excavated area when the adjacent concrete block retaining wall collapsed.

Best Practices

  • Conduct inspections before working near retaining walls or earth-retaining structures. Look for signs of movement, cracking, bulging, loose blocks, seepage, or soil erosion.
  • Stay clear of potentially unstable areas.
  • Maintain a safe distance. Keep personnel, equipment, and materials back from the top and base of retaining walls to prevent surcharge loading or vibration that could cause sudden wall failure.
  • Never work directly below or adjacent to unsupported or unprotected excavations or unstable retaining walls. Use barricades, controlled access, or engineered protection to prevent exposure to falling blocks or wall collapse. 
  • Train miners in safe work procedures and hazard recognition.

Additional Information

This is the third fatality reported in 2026, and the first classified as “Falling, Rolling, or Sliding Rock or Material of Any Kind.”

Click here for: Preliminary Report (pdf)

MNM Fatal – 1/8/26

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On January 8, 2026, an over-the-road truck driver died after he became pinned between the dump bed and the frame of a truck.

Best Practices

  • Establish and discuss safe work procedures before beginning work. Identify and control all hazards associated with the work and use methods to properly protect persons. 
  • Before working on equipment, block all raised components against motion and ensure persons are positioned in a safe location and away from the “red zone” areas.
  • Never work under a load that is unsupported or inadequately supported. Observe and follow all warning labels and signs on equipment.

Additional Information

This is the second fatality reported in 2026, and the first classified as “Powered Haulage.”

Click here for: Preliminary Report (pdf)

MNM Fatal – 1/6/26

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On January 6, 2026, a contractor was fatally struck by the motor and gearbox assembly while removing a baghouse slide gate. 

Best Practices

  • Block machinery or equipment against hazardous motion before beginning maintenance or repairs. Verify miners are in a safe location and away from potential “red zone” areas.
  • Secure assemblies to prevent unexpected movement and use proper tools.
  • Identify and control all stored energy sources, including gravity.
  • Train miners in safe work procedures and hazard recognition.

Additional Information

This is the first fatality reported in 2026, and the first classified as “Machinery.”

Click here for: Preliminary Report (pdf)

MNM Fatal – 12/22/25

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On December 22, 2025, a contractor died after receiving burns from a pressurized hydraulic line that ruptured and caught fire.  The contractor was cutting shims from a cone crusher with a torch.

Best Practices

  • Never apply heat to or near pressurized hydraulic lines.
  • Never apply heat to components when flammable, combustible, or explosive materials are present.
  • Protect and/or relocate hydraulic lines to prevent physical damage.
  • Examine all components and surrounding areas before applying heat, cutting or welding. Conduct daily inspections of hydraulic equipment, hoses, and connections for leaks, wear, or damage.
  • Always use proper protective equipment for the task.

Additional Information

This is the 33rd fatality reported in 2025, and the first classified as “Exploding Vessels under Pressure.”

Click here for: Preliminary Report (pdf)

Coal Fatal – 12/18/25

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On December 18, 2025, a miner died after a tractor pinned him against the rib.

Best Practices

  • Stay out of “red zones” and pinch point areas.
  • Maintain effective traction on the slope.  Control or remove excessive water, mud and other debris.
  • Obtain proper clearances from the dispatcher prior to starting down the slope to ensure the travelway is clear.
  • Communicate your presence and intended movements when working around mobile equipment and wait for acknowledgment before moving.
  • Minimize pedestrian traffic in known haulage routes.

Additional Information

This is the 32nd fatality reported in 2025, and the 13th classified as “Powered Haulage.”

Click here for: Preliminary Report (pdf), Final Report (pdf).

MNM Fatal – 12/10/25

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On December 10, 2025, two contractors died when the dragline they were operating slid into a water-filled pit.

Best Practices

  • Establish mining methods based on geological conditions such as soil stability subsurface cavities.
  • Evaluate all pit, highwall, slope, and bank conditions at least daily or more often, if necessary, to protect the health and safety of the miners. Be especially vigilant after each rain, freeze, or thaw.
  • Conduct effective workplace examinations in areas where miners are working and traveling. Identify and correct all hazards.
  • Train miners on equipment risks and to recognize potential hazards that can decrease bank and slope stability.

Additional Information

These are the 30th and 31st fatalities reported in 2025, and the fifth and sixth classified as “Machinery.”

Click here for: Preliminary Report 1 (pdf), Preliminary Report 2 (pdf)

MNM Fatal – 11/22/25

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On November 22, 2025, a plant operator died after he was struck and engulfed by falling material at a salt silo discharge outlet. He was attempting to clear a blockage with his head and arm inside the silo access door.

Best Practices

  • Equip bins and hoppers with mechanical devices such as vibrating shakers or air cannons to loosen blockages or provide other effective means so miners are not exposed to caving or sliding materials.
  • Ensure miners are positioned in a safe location and away from potential hazards.
  • Make sure miners working under hazardous conditions can be seen, heard, and able to communicate with others.
  • Examine working places to identify the potential for falling or sliding materials prior to allowing access to areas in or around bins and hoppers.
  • Before blocked bins and hoppers are cleared, train miners to recognize and safely remove all potential hazards.

Additional Information

This is the 29th fatality reported in 2025, and the first classified as “Handling Material.”

Click here for: Preliminary Report (pdf), Final Report (pdf).