In an operational update, Nevada Copper said that its Pumpkin Hollow underground copper mine faced several challenges, including a build-up of water underground, that impacted its progress in the fourth quarter. “Since restarting mining and milling operations, we’ve made progress in a number of areas, including completion of life of mine projects such as the Geho dewatering system and phase…
Read MoreCategory: MSHA Update
Safety alert issued for Ocenco M20.3
MSHA requested in late December that any mines using Ocenco M20.3 SCSRs visually inspect every unit due to a known issue. This is in addition to its outline that the units must be worn in the approved black case and visually inspected at the beginning of each work shift. During mandated approval audits, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and…
Read MoreMSHA identifies West Virginia mine as chronic violator
As a result of its second 2023 pattern of violations (POV) screening, the Mine Safety and Health Administration has identified Mine No. 39 in McDowell County, W.Va., as a chronic violator. The underground mine is operated by Twin State Mining. MSHA said that the mine met the initial POV criteria for the existence of a pattern of violations under section…
Read More$1 million issued in Brookwood-Sago mine safety grant money
The U.S. Department of Labor announced $1 million in grants to nine organizations in seven states to support education and training initiatives that will help identify and prevent unsafe working conditions in and around the nation’s mines. Administered by the department’s Mine Safety and Health Administration, the Brookwood-Sago Mine Safety grant program will allow recipients to create training materials, promote…
Read MoreMSHA reports 25th, 26th fatalities of 2023
The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) reported in August that, on July 17, a miner at Holcim’s Swampscott Quarry, Essex County, Mass., died while performing repairs on a gyratory crusher. When a component was being suspended by a crane, a lifting eye welded to the component broke free striking the miner. This is the 25th fatality reported in 2023,…
Read MoreFirst silica hearing held
Louisville Public Media reported in August details of the first Mine Safety and Health Administration hearing to gather comments on the recently proposed silica standards. The regulation would affect every mine, cement plant, and rock quarry in the country regardless of the material produced there. It would add protections for non-coal workers like requiring companies to offer free medical exams…
Read MoreMSHA impact inspections yield 242 violations
The U.S. Department of Labor said in August that impact inspections completed at 18 mines in 12 states in June by the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) resulted in 242 violations. To date, MSHA’s impact inspections in 2023 have identified 1,435 violations, including 411 significant and substantial (S&S) and 22 unwarrantable failure findings. An S&S violation is reasonably likely…
Read MoreMSHA reports recent fatalities
MSHA reported that on June 22, a contract bulldozer operator at Vulcan Materials’ Chula Vista, Calif., quarry died when the bulldozer he was operating backed off the edge of a highwall. The operator was clearing the bench in preparation for drilling and blasting and had removed the berms along the edge. This is the 24th fatality reported in 2023, and…
Read MoreMSHA impact inspections target 16 mines, yield 279 violations in May
MSHA completed impact inspections at 16 mines in May, issuing 279 violations and one safeguard. MSHA conducts impact inspections at mines that merit increased agency attention and enforcement due to poor compliance history; previous accidents, injuries and illnesses; and other compliance concerns. Among the violations, MSHA cited 83 significant and substantial violations. MSHA conducted inspections at mines in Colorado, Indiana,…
Read MoreMiner Health Matters
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Mine Safety and Health Administration works to prevent mining injuries, illnesses and fatalities, and promote safe and healthful workplaces for all U.S. miners. The agency name and its mission statement make clear that protecting both miners’ safety and health must be a priority. MSHA said it takes seriously its mandate to conduct inspections; investigate hazard…
Read More