Employee was conducting ground control measures when a rock fell striking the employee while high scaling.
Immel MineMetal/Nonmetal
- Fatalities
- 3
- Total incidents
- 143
- Years on record
- 2000–2026
- Latest incident
- Jan 2026
Fatalities at this mine
3 recordedA rail haulage offsider was riding back to the chute to get another load when the locomotive over traveled into the chute causing fatal injuries to the offsider rail employee.
Employee was working approximately 550' down in elevator shaft, working off top of elevator. Beam came loose that was thought to be secured. Employee fell from top of elevator to bottom of shaft, resulting in his death.
Reportable incidents
140 on file (excluding fatalities above)2026 · 1 incident
The operator stepped out of a haul truck onto a rock that was partially underneath the cab of the haul truck when they rolled their left ankle. The employee was later evaluated at the ER and was discharged as a sprain.
2025 · 3 incidents
Employee suffered a personal medical event and went into cardiac arrest.
The employee was completing their workplace examination on the scaler when they tripped and fell on a mud mound causing an injury to their knee.
The employee was driving and hit a pothole when their seat bounced heavily, and the employee's head struck the ceiling of the cab causing a laceration. The employee received 8 staples to the top of the head.
2024 · 3 incidents
The employee was bore tracking vertical up holes in the 25-77 EX1. While retrieving the survey tool down, the tool slipped smashing the employees hand against the screen in the back.
Haul truck operator was traveling on roadway when they hit some potholes in the road causing the truck to bounce. Operator stated that their back was sore.
The man basket of the TL642 telehandler became detached from the boom and fell 12' in 801-24 S7-P8 while loading of a cut was underway. Employee was in the basket at the time of the incident.
2023 · 4 incidents
At 2:15 AM, 12/09/23, #26008 Getman A-64 ANFO rig reportedly caught fire while 2060E headings were being loaded. Source of fire located at on-board air compressor on ANFO rig. Reported that a hydraulic hose ruptured prior to the incident.
An employee's right pinky finger was amputated at the tip while adjusting telehandler forks for an operator who was moving a load. The operator had tilted the forks back without warning before the employee had completed the adjustments.
Employee was working on a planned brake pad replacement on 21002 Locomotive at the car shop. While using a hammer to remove a pin, the hammer slipped off the intended target and came into contact with employee's hand.
Employee was operating the 23011 truck and struck the rib in the roadway. Employee states employee hit the rib as the truck was bouncing and would not stop. Employee was complaining of lower back pain, dizziness and vomiting.
2022 · 5 incidents
The blaster was in the process of tying in a 3 tall pod bench when a rock came out between 4 rib bolts roughly 8 to 9 off the ground sliding down and made contact with the back of employees heel. Employee received stitches to the bottom of the foot and had a dislocated toe.
Employee was operating a skid steer underground when the skid steer hit a piece of track abruptly halting it. The employee was wearing a safety harness, which hit their chest area causing pain to the lower sternal area.
The blaster was working with anfo on the anfo-rig. Blaster states the equipment they were utilizing was blowing dust significantly more than usual. They became short of breath with chest tightness. Employee was brought out from underground where they continued to have breathing difficulty.
The employee was assisting shop personnel in preparation to test 24017 drill before releasing to Ops. The miner was putting new steel onto the boom and was attempting to cut off orange plastic cap from the end of steel. The miner's utility knife slipped, contacting their leg resulting in a laceration.
A rock detached from the rib, striking the ANFO rig and causing the basket to swing into contact with the rib. The employee was in the basket.
2021 · 5 incidents
Employee was assisting with ground control measures when a rock fell striking the basket causing the employee to sustain injuries to leg.
Employee was assisting with ground control measures when a rock fell behind the employee. The employee ran from the area and tripped and fell.
The night shift supervisor was traveling with an employee on #41 John Deere tractor. The tractor hit a bump in the road, and said employee told the supervisor it hurt EE's back.
Shop employee was stepping down from getting oil from a bin when employee lost footing and fell into the rib. When striking the rib, the incident caused a 1/2 laceration on left forearm requiring 5 stitches.
Employee was traveling on locomotive when the locomotive struck the chute causing the employee to be jarred and experience lingering shoulder pain; symptoms did not show until after returning to work and did not become restricted until 7/8/2021.
2020 · 3 incidents
Employee was scaling the rib when a rock fell striking the employee on the right forearm. The rock caused a 1.7 laceration and contusion requiring 5 stitches.
Employee was assisting bolter when a rock slid out from behind the screen installed in the back and struck the employee in the lower back. As a result of the injury, employee received 5 stitches in the lower back.
Employee was jacking up a derailed rail car when the jack handle did not catch springing back up striking the employee in the face. The jack handle struck the employee around the left eye area. Employee suffered a zygoma fracture and received 3 stitches.
2019 · 3 incidents
Employee was checking on a haul truck door that had been reported hard to open and jamming all day. While attempting to open the door, the door handle broke and with the force of opening the door, the broken edge caused a 1/2 in. laceration to the employee's right pinky finger. As a result of the incident, employee received 5 stitches.
Employee was assisting in removing a oxy cylinder from the back of a tractor when their right hand got caught between the tractor and cylinder. Employee suffered a laceration to the right palm requiring 4 stitches as a result of the incident.
Employee was loading powder in the 2264 capital drift. Heading was already loaded and were tying on the det cord on the bottom and a rock fell off the face striking the employee on the hard hat and the rock kept coming down to the left arm causing a small laceration to their arm.
2018 · 1 incident
At approximately 5:30pm at the Immel Mine 484 track level bulkhead, the chute pullers had just dumped their rail cars and were heading back to the chute to fill their cars again. As they traveled through the bulkhead area the passenger's head came in contact with the bulkhead structure.
2017 · 3 incidents
The operator of 23003 haul truck reported to the supervisor that they had bumped their head on the radio while tramming back to get loaded.
Alleged slipped in shower, injuring back. Did not report til end of shift on the next day
Twisting flushing head back on drill when felt pop in shoulder and pain. Dx with a shoulder strain
2016 · 8 incidents
Rock fall hit scaler boom causing employee to bounce around in the cab of the scaler causing contusions to ribs and a small fx at C-7
trying to replace a bad hand brake when the brake fell crushing EE's lt index fingertip and causing an avulsion of skin
Stepping down off drill when employee stumbled, tried to catch self and jammed left middle finger-xrays revealed small fx.
Using pry bar and finger caught between bar and feeder, fracturing little finger.
Turned rt ankle on slick rock, at first just thought it was sprained, but saw Dr on10/03 and a fracture was discovered.
Riding rail car and hit head on bulkhead/ C/o pain, numbness and tingling in arm
contact dermatitis that was not reported as work related until 8-5.
Rash on feet and ankles;
2015 · 9 incidents
Employee was injured as a result of a rock fall from the face during drilling activities (changing drill bit). Employee received a laceration to his right thumb (requiring 3 stitches)
Pulling cable, arm slipped and hit elbow on drill; reported on 10/16 to safety.
Employee was training on a haul truck with another operator while traveling down the roadway when a tire blew. This caused the trainee to hit their knee on a structure in the cab of the haul truck.
Greasing truck bearing when felt sharp pain in rt shoulder and arm
Rt partial amputation of index, ring, and middle fingers when employee was checking belt and mechanic started the drill
while ee tying shoes a basket came loose from the hook on the bench and fell to its lowest point. An item attached to the basket struck the employee in the head resulting in a laceration and swelling
rock fell from back and hit ee on head knocking his hard hat off; small laceration on top of head that required 4 staples (due to nylon strap in hard hat)
Trying to get rail car back on track with jack. jack kicked out and ee lost balance, fell forward and jack hit rt ring finger amputating the end
Rock hit scaler boom causing cab to rise up and slam back down causing pain in ee's back
2014 · 6 incidents
While an employee was loading the Anfo rig, he slipped and lost his balance. As the employee went to catch himself he bent his wrist backwards.
Employee was working on the roof replacing a compressor on a roof mounted condensing unit. A storm was quickly approaching. Employee needed to exit the roof quickly. While descending on the ladder, the ladder started to slide and he fell from the ladder.
squatting during safety meeting, stood up, and passed out causing lacerations, chipped teeth, and fx nose
chute puller received lacerations when he raised his head up in the tunnel. Hard hat hit a piece of metal and it is believed the hard hat liner is the cause of the lacerations
Walking-has history of prior surgeries and x-ray showed degenerative changes.
last rail car jumped off the track striking the rib on the right side going towards the chute. At that time the operator was thrown into the locomotive's hand rail and the operator struck the left side of his ribs on the hand rail
2013 · 10 incidents
Standing on back of transport tractor getting ready to dismount when the driver's foot slipped on the clutch causing the employee to fall from the tractor which resulted in a fractured hip.
Hearing loss. Did not return for 30 day retest. Had a 10 dB avg shift with threshold above 25 dB. Recvd final results on 3/21/2014
Hearing loss. Did not return for 30 day retest. Had a 10 dB avg shift with threshold over 25 dB. Recvd final reports on 3/21/14.
Using torque wrench to loosen lug nut when miner slipped, rolled ankle and fx his fibula
Miner stepped from tractor, slipped on rock, and fell on his left hand causing a laceration that required 8 stitches
Employee was in the process of moving a piece of drill steel out of the muck pile, he reported a burning sensation in his left arm. Employee was diagnosed with a strain to his shoulder.
shoveling, manually pulling chutes, riding on tractor over rough ground causing mid back pain
Caught rt middle finger and ring finger in loader door-lacerations and fractures to both fingers.
Employee was checking on the bolter man & helper. Employee and offside moved to the back of the drill rig. The brow had a rock that shot out and over the drill rig. Employee turned away and a baseball size rock that flew over the drill rig hit the employee on their right hand causing a laceration.
Hydraulic hose busted and employee over reacted. Took off harness and tried to descend on the boom, slipping on fluid causing a fall. Back and knee strain knee
2012 · 13 incidents
Developed rash on feet and legs. Had been wearing rubber boots and had gotten water inside them.
truck hit pot hole, jarring ee and causing back strain
Lt thumb laceration and fracture when drill rig door slammed on finger. Vibration from a passing loader caused the strap holding the door open to come loose and slam shut
Another mechanic using sledge hammer when it slipped out his hand and hit ee in face causing lacerations and contusions. On 11-21, after a CT scan, dx with a fracture of the nose
Loading bolts when sharp piece of metal cut middle finger which required 2 stitches
thumb caught in drill rig door. x-rays done and fracture confirmed on 6-25-12
Alleged he fell and injured rt hip and knee. Did not report until 8-3. Began seeing the specialist in Sept. He was placed on restrictions that we just became aware of. Reached MMI on 11-5-12.
Hit pot hole in road causing him to bounce in seat and hit head on air conditioner causing a laceration
While loading a heading the employee slipped on a rock and when he tried to catch himself with his hand, he cut his left hand, resulting in the employee receiving five stiches.
At approximately 0500 this morning, an operator twisted his ankle at the gallery chute on 484 rail level. No first aid was required and he continued to work on his normal duties. Employee worked his shift then went to the Dr. the next day, x-rays revealed a fracture to his ankle.
Employee reported back pain with no incident. Stated he had pain on 4-18-12, does not know how reported on 5-3-12 when he presented with a personal Dr excuse for work. Awaiting MRI results to make determination of occupational illness.
Using pry bar to get rail car back on track and rt arm was hit by bar. Rt forearm fracture
Stepping off tractor, lost footing and fell on left elbow. When he tried to get up, cut rt thumb on rock that was underwater. Has 2 fractures in left elbow
2011 · 6 incidents
Working on loose bolt on feeder. Finger caught between come-a-long. Cut finger
Attempting to move axle onto a pallet and was in an awkward position
While off site team building, the injured employee fell causing him to dislocate his left shoulder. This happened at Evins Mill Tn. and is not on mine property. MSHA Inspector request a 7000-1 form to be completed.
Lifting screening mesh when he felt a pull in his shoulder
Employee was dismounting his truck, he stepped on a rock and slipped. The ee fell striking his leg on a rock causing a contusion to his left leg. The ee was placed on restricted duty.
While manually dumping rail cars the employee got his hand pinched between the bar and the car. Causing a fracture to the right fourth finger.
2010 · 6 incidents
Injured was in the process of pulling steel from a hole, he slipped and as he was trying to catch himself with his hands, he received a laceration on the right pinky finger and ring finger. He received stitches as a result of the injury.
The 4160 cable at the 3c-10 substation blew out and burnt the cable. As a pre-caution, the crew 11 men were evacuated. The team leader insured the crew was out and used a 20lb. fire extingusher to put out the fire. Electricians were called in to perform repairs. Incident occured at 1:15 a.m the evacuation was complete at 1:45 a.m. Mine was checked and cleared for reentry.
On 5/28/10 EE was dismounting a piece of equipment as he stepped down he sprained his ankle. He was transported to Dr. and was placed on restricted duty until 6/1/10. At which he was to return for follow up. (Holiday weekend) EE returned to Dr. this office did not receive Dr. reports until 6/18/10 to determine status of injured.
Injured stated that he bent down to pick-up a welders box, as he did it he noticed acute pain in his lower back, like his back had locked up. On 5/11 EE returned to Dr. complaining of pain. EE was placed on restricted duty. Upon investigating and awaiting Dr. reports to make a determination on his condition. This report was not filed until 6/10/10.
Injured stated that he hurt his knee two weeks prior to this injury and did not report the injury. Injured stated that as he was stepping down from a tractor he stepped on some gravel causing him to lose his footing, falling on his right knee.
While drilling, employee was leaning against the right rib of the heading, approximately 5 feet back from the face. A rock fell from the right side of the heading striking employee in the rear of his hard hat, cutting the left side of his neck (behind his ear) and striking his left shoulder.
2009 · 5 incidents
Loose rail cars collided with the locomotive causing the operator to strike his hip on the handrail. *DID NOT START LOSING TIME UNTIL 1/26/2010
EE was shoveling at the face when a rock fell and lacerated his arm. He received stitches for the laceration.
EE was putting up mining light when he felt an itching/burning on his left arm. It is assumed he was bit by a spider. Bite became infected and had to be lanced and drained.
EE was putting the plates on the cable roof bolts when some grout came off the cable and fell in eye. EE has a lacerated cornea and received antibiotic drops.
EE bumped shin on a boulder. Sought treatment later in the week due to swelling. Did not receive restrictions until 01/28/2009.
2008 · 13 incidents
EE slipped on a rock and fell into the outrigger on the drill. He bruised his arms and ribcage and was placed on restrictions.
EE mixed ""The Works"" toilet bowl cleaner, blean and GoJo handcleaner together to mop the floor of the lamp room. EE experience breathing problems as a result and was transported to hospital for treatment.
EE was trying to remove grizzly bar from stacker belt. Turned on magnet to help lift from belt. Two middle fingers got caught between magnet and bar. EE was wearing gloves but tip of middle finger was amputated and finger was broken.
EE was driving a truck. He claims he ran over something in the road that caused him to jerk around in the truck. This resulted in a lumbar strain.
Stepped on a rubber mat at the gallery millhole. Foot slipped and ee fell on rock pile. Received a lumbar strain. Started getting physical therapy on 10/3/08.
EE's back started hurting on an unknown date. EE claims this was due to the truck EE was driving. On 7/1/08 EE told management he wanted to go to the doctor. The doctor diagnosed EE as having a back strain and gave EE restrictions.
EE was scaling rib, when bar slipped, causing hand to strike guard for lights on basket. This resulted in a laceration, requiring stitches.
EE was stepping off scaler, slipped on some oil on the floor of the machine and sprained ankle.
EE was helping remove 30 foot ladder from skip loading pocket, when his foot slipped and his chest hit the edge of the capsule. EE felt and heard a pop in his rib area, just under the right breast. Upon examination by a doctor it was determined he had broken a rib.
EE was resting hand on end of a sledge hammer handle while someone else drove in a spike. EE leaned forward to look at tie plate, moving his hand in the path of the sledge hammer. EE's hand was caught between the swinging hammer and the handle it was holding. No broken bones.
Skip door did not close properly after dumping. As skip was entering shaft, skip door was torn off and fell approximately 140 feet down shaft. Main hoist was not usable until skip door was removed from shaft. Small man hoist was usable.
During reassembly of new equipment, EE hurt his knee.
Anfo rig was being brought to the shop for repairs. An engine malfunction caused the machine to start smoking. Smoke started to fill the drift. 5 miners were evacuated from the drift.
2007 · 14 incidents
Employee was helping to unload a parking brake (for a loader) and place it on a two wheel dolly. The brake assembly slipped and caught the tip of his left middle finger. The doctor bandaged the finger and prescribed medication.
Employee was stepping out of a carried mounted on a tractor. He caught his Right foot on a clevis that was left on the hitch. He fell twisting his Right foot resulting in a sprained ankle.
Dumping bucket, bucket swung to side mashing right hand between bucket and car causing dislocation of right thumb, possible torn cartilage.
Employee was driving a rail spike with a spike hammer. The hammer hit a glancing blow causing the employee to twist his upper arm. Incident has resulted in therapy treatments.
Employee was lifting rail track when he felt a pinch in his left side. He was taken to the doctor and received prescription medication.
Employee was putting tools back in cabinet. The drawer had a metal edge exposed that caught the employee's left hand. Laceration required 4 sutures to close wound.
Employee stepped on a 4"" stone that rolled under his right foot. The action caused his right knee to twist resulting in injury. Employee is in therapy and light restrictions.
Small personnel cage lost power. Large cage was being used to complete repairs to the main shaft. Decision was made to evacuate five (5) underground miners until repairs could be made. Call made to MSHA hotline at 1953 hours.
Cowin Construction company was working in the shaft replacing cage rollers and guides (made of wood beams). Torch cutting was required to cut out old rollers. Apparently sparks entered the cavity of one of the old rotted timbers and began to smolder. Three hours later the spark was causing enough smoke to be identified.
A large rat crawled across the bus bars in the main breakers inside the hoist room, causing a power outage to the main hoist. The small excape hoist was still operational by use of a generator. Proper report was made to MSHA Hotline.
Employee was demoing a Hydro Stroker in the skip pocket. As he was unbolting a piece of metal, it slipped and pinched his Right Index Finger, causing a laceration. Employee was taken to the doctor and recieved three sutures. Employee was placed on limited duty with limited use of the Right Hand.
Employee slipped while climbing off a scaffold. Employee was on light duty for eight days
Employee struck head against steel beam while installing conduit. Reportable due to stitches to right forehead. No lost time/ restricted duty.
Employee mashed middle finger on left hand repairing steering pump. Reportable due to stitches. No restrictions or lost time.
2004 · 1 incident
EE WAS ADJUSTING THE FORKS ON A FORKLIFT. ONE FORK FELL FROM THE TRACK, STRIKING THE EE ON THE LEFT LOWER LEG. THE IMPACT RESULTED IN A BROKEN TIBIA AND FIBULA OF THE LEFT LEG.
2001 · 9 incidents
EMPLOYEE WAS BENT OVER LOADING LIFTERS. ROCK FELL AND HIT EMPLOYEE BEHIND LEFT EAR. REPORTABLE DUE TO STITCHES.
EMPLOYEE'S LEFT HAND BRUISED WHEN HE ATTEMPTED TO ROLL OVER A ROCK IN A MINE CAR. BEGAN LOOSING TIME 8/6/01.
OPERATOR HIT RIB WITH LOADER, SPRAINED LOWER BACK, BEGAN RESTRICTED WORK ON 5-26-01.
OPERATOR HIT RIB WITH TRUCK, CHIPPED RIGHT TOOTH WHEN HE STRUCK DASHBOARD.
EE WAS SHOVELING LIFTER HOLES-CUT RIGHT FINGER ON SHARP ROCK. STITCHES REQUIRED NO RESTRICTED WORK DAYS.
EE SPRAINED RIGHT FOOT STEPPED IN LOW AREA OF SHOP. BEGAN RESTRICTED DUTY 4-8-01.
2000 · 9 incidents
EE WAS HAND SCALING & WAS STRUCK BY A ROCK IN THE LEFT KNEE. THE EE DID NOT INITALLY REPORT THE INCIDENT TO HIS SUPERVISOR. LOST TIME CONSISTED OF 1 WORKDY 10/29/00
EE MASHED SMALL FINGER ON RIGHT HAND WHILE SETTING BATTERY ON LOADER. REPORTABLE DUE TO STITCHES.
EMPLOYEE SLIPPED WHEN HE STEPPEDON UNSEEN ROCK IN HIS WORKPLACE. HE DID NOT FALL BUT SPRAINED HIS BACK. BEGAN LOSING TIME 9-23-00
EMPLOYEE STEPPED OFF LOCMOTIVE INTO LOW SPOT AND BROKE RIGHT LEG BELOW THE KNEE. BEGAN LOSING TIME 9-10-00.
HIT ON RIGHT ARM BY ROCK, RESULTING LACERATION REQUIRING SEVERAL STITCHES.
EE WAS PLACING POWDER BOX ON ANFO RIG, HIT HAND ON FRAME OF STORAGE COMPARTMENT. HAIRLINE FRACTURE TO LEFT RING FINGER--NO RESTRICTED OR LOST WORKDAYS. DID NMOT SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTIO UNTIL 8-1 4-00.
EMPLOYEE STATED HIS NECK ""POPPED"" WHILE SCALING A ROCK. THE ROCK CAME LOOSE AND THREW HIS HEAD BACKWARD. HE BEGAN RESTRICTED WORK 11/5/00.
DISMOUNTING SNORKLE CUT LEFT THUMB ON EXPOSED SURFACE. STITCHES REQUIRED. EE LOST ONE WORK DAY. SEVERAL DAYS AFTER THE INCIDENT 4-22-00 AND HIS NEXT SCHEDULED SHIFT WAS 4/25/00.
EE STRUCK HAND FINGER AGAINST LIGHT BRACKET ON LOADER FX TO BONE IN RIGHT HAND BEGAN LOSING TIME 2-24-00.