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Coal Mining Disasters
kills almost 1,500 miners each year
Mining accidents can have a variety of causes, including leaks of poisonous gases such as hydrogen sulfide[1] or explosive natural gases, especially firedamp or methane,[2] dust explosions, collapsing of mine stopes, mining-induced seismicity,[3] flooding, or general mechanical errors from improperly used or malfunctioning mining equipment (such as safety lamps or electrical equipment). Use of imprope explosives underground can also trigger methane and coal dust explosions.
The Upper Big Branch Mine disaster occurred on April 5, 2010. At Massey Energy's Upper Big Branch coal mine at Montcoal in Raleigh County, West Virginia. Twenty-nine out of thirty-one miners at the site were killed.
In Memorandum
An Eternal Flame Dedicated To All Coal Miners Who Have Lost their Lives In Mining Accidents
Falls of ground remain the greatest single hazard faced by underground miners. They caused nearly 50% of fatal injuries. When coal is first mined, large pillars coal are left to support the rock between the mine and surface. When these pillars are removed, the ground collapses.
The United States Department of Labor - Mine Safety & Health Administratio(MSHA)
Reports Mining fatalities fall to all-time low in 2009
Preliminary data from the U.S. Department of Labor's Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) released today indicate that mine fatalities in 2009 fell to an all-time low for the second straight year.
Coal mines recorded 18 mining deaths, and metal/nonmetal mines recorded 16 mining deaths, for a combined total of 34 mining deaths nationwide and a significant drop from last year's total of 52 deaths.
