mining fatalities

US mining deaths at an all-time low

25 miners died in work-related accidents last year

January 6, 2017

Preliminary data released by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) indicate that in 2016, 25 miners died in work-related accidents at the nation’s mines – down from 29 in 2015. The figure represents the lowest number of mining deaths ever recorded and only the second year that mining deaths dropped below 30.

Miners: Blankenship’s prison term is “outrageous”

April 7, 2016

The one year sentence handed down yesterday to former Massey Energy CEO Don Blankenship for his role in the Upper Big Branch mine disaster is not enough, say miners and occupational safety advocates.

Prosecutors urge jail time for Blankenship

Judge is a coal miner's daughter

March 31, 2016

Donald Blankenship, former CEO of Massey Energy, will be sentenced April 6 for his role in the Upper Big Branch mine tragedy – and federal prosecutors want him to do jail time.

Six Russian mine rescuers die trying to reach trapped miners

February 29, 2016

The failure of a mine rescue mission on Sunday in northern Russia left six rescue workers and 26 miners dead. The miners had been trapped underground by a cave-in caused by methane explosions and fires.

Massey Ex-CEO Blankenship found guilty in UBB mine blast

Prosecutor: It's a "landmark day" for coal miner safety

December 3, 2015

In an outcome described as “unprecedented” by a federal prosecutor, former Massey Energy Co. CEO Don Blankenship was found guilty of violating safety regulations at the Upper Big Branch mine in West Virginia, which led to the 2010 explosion that killed 29 workers.

Blankenship trial starts today

Former Massey Energy CEO could get 31 years in prison in Upper Big Branch mine deaths

October 1, 2015

The former CEO of Massey Energy Co. goes on trial today in U.S. District Court in Charleston, West Virginia in a case that could set a precedent for corporate higher-ups being held accountable for the safety of their workers.

MSHA announces results of July impact inspections

Hazards cited at Nebraska operation mirror those found following March fatality

September 4, 2015

The Mine Safety and Health Administration today announced that federal inspectors issued 225 citations and six orders during special impact inspections at 15 coal mines and six metal and nonmetal mines in July.

MSHA proposes rule to prevent crushing, pinning deaths in mines

Rule would require proximity detection devices on coal-haulage equipment underground

September 2, 2015

Haulage machinery in underground coal mines – such as shuttle cars, ram cars and scoops – would have to be equipped with technology that prevents miners from becoming struck, pinned or crushed, as per a proposed rule from the Mine Safety and Health Administration.

MSHA calls for stepped-up enforcement after three fatalities

Deadly 24-hour period prompts closer scrutiny of mining deaths

August 10, 2015

In the wake of a deadly day in mining in which three miners lost their lives in separate incidents in Nevada, North Dakota and Virginia on Aug. 3, the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) is stepping up enforcement efforts and intensifying outreach and education nationwide.

18 U.S. miners died in first half of 2015

July 28, 2015

In the first six months of 2015, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Mine Safety and Health Administration recorded the deaths of 18 miners in mining industry accidents in its national mid-year summary released today. The toll represents a decrease of five metal and nonmetal deaths from the same period in 2014.