Mining Incidents

PIGEON CREEK Coal

Controlled by Keri Findley
Appalachia, Wise County, VA  ·  NonProducing
MSHA Mine ID: 4403088

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Fatalities
0
Total incidents
43
Years on record
2000–2023
Latest incident
Mar 2023
Compliance record
MSHA citations since 2000
1,092
citations
458
significant & substantial
$587,772
proposed penalties
$294,297
paid to date
Source: MSHA violations data, updated weekly.
Quarterly safety rates
Citations per million employee-hours, as reported to MSHA
Quarter Hours worked Citations S&S Per 1M hrs
2025 Q4 984 0 0 0.0
2025 Q3 2,072 0 0 0.0
2025 Q2 568 0 0 0.0
2025 Q1 2,014 0 0 0.0
2024 Q4 1,509 0 0 0.0
2024 Q2 0 2 0
2024 Q1 5,659 0 0 0.0
2023 Q3 4,413 2 1 453.2
Quarters under 100,000 reported hours are greyed: too few hours for a stable rate.
No fatalities recorded at this mine.

Reportable incidents

43 on file

2023 · 1 incident

March 3, 2023 VA · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech POWERED HAULAGE
INMET Mining, LLC. · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was using a hoist to repair a bent handrail on the direct ship hopper. The rail broke loose, striking the employee in the side of the head.

2022 · 1 incident

July 20, 2022 VA · Coal electrician, lineman HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
INMET Mining, LLC. · Struck by flying object

Employee was holding Separator Speed Reducer while C0-worker was hammering on Sprocket. A small piece of the sprocket broke off and a sliver of the metal hit the injured in the forearm and the sliver of metal was imbedded into the Rt. Forearm / wrist area.

2020 · 1 incident

January 12, 2020 VA · Coal front-end loader, scraper-loader operator, pan operator, payloader, scraper rig operator HANDLING OF MATERIALS
INMET Mining, LLC. · Over-exertion in lifting objects

The employee had placed gravel in a pail. The employee was lifting the pail above EE's head to place on a upper level when EE's right shoulder and neck began to hurt. The employee continued to work until surgery was performed on the right shoulder on 8/06/2020. The employee is currently off work.

2018 · 1 incident

July 5, 2018 VA · Coal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver POWERED HAULAGE
Blackjewel L.L.C. · Fall from machine

Driver was on a slight descending grade truck was in 4th gear and as EE approached a curve EE was faster that EE should have. Driver passed a truck runaway ramp then jumped from the truck driver was taken to hospital EE had two fractured ribs.

2015 · 4 incidents

June 24, 2015 VA · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech DUST DISEASE OF LUNGS
Pigeon Creek Processing Corporation · Inhalation of radiations, caustics, toxic and noxious substances

Received a CWP diagnosis for employee. He last worked on 11/16/12 (RIF) and was termed on 1/15/13. No % disability at this time.

June 24, 2015 VA · Coal crane operator, mobile equipment operator (meo), dragline operator, dropball operator, rigger DUST DISEASE OF LUNGS
Pigeon Creek Processing Corporation · Inhalation of radiations, caustics, toxic and noxious substances

Received a CWP diagnosis for employee. He last worked on 7/1/2010 when he retired. No % disability at this time.

June 15, 2015 VA · Coal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator STRIKING OR BUMPING
Pigeon Creek Processing Corporation · Struck against stationary object

Employee was walking up steps not looking up and walked into catwalk material on landing striking his head and compressing his neck resulting in pain into his upper back and shoulder area.

March 31, 2015 VA · Coal POWERED HAULAGE
Pigeon Creek Processing Corporation · Accident type, without injuries

Driver fell asleep drove over adequate berm on wrong side of haul road over embankment hit trees. Taken to emergency room, he was drug tested checked and released. On way back to job told owner he had sleep disorder. Not back @ work because truck frame is bent and hood busted. MSHA inspector not released truck yet and we are concerned about sleep disorder we did not know about.

2014 · 3 incidents

November 18, 2014 VA · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech DISORDERS (REPEATED TRAUMA)
Pigeon Creek Processing Corporation · (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Received a hearing loss diagnosis for employee. He last worked on 9/20/2012.

October 8, 2014 VA · Coal bulldozer operator, universal operator, heavy equipment operator, operating engineer DISORDERS (REPEATED TRAUMA)
Pigeon Creek Processing Corporation · (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Received a hearing loss diagnosis for employee. He last worked on 7/1/2010.

June 10, 2014 VA · Coal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver POWERED HAULAGE
Pigeon Creek Processing Corporation · Struck against a moving object

Truck driver was leaving dump. It was raining and bad wind storm blew two trees down, one on truck one on trailer. The one on truck most of impact hit on passenger side. Driver shook up thought he hit head. At that time took driver to Lonesome Pine Emergency room. He was checked out and released - gave him one day off because of soreness.

2013 · 3 incidents

June 26, 2013 VA · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Pigeon Creek Processing Corporation · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was trying to hold hose on the end of wand of steam Jenny, while another worker applied pressure the hose kicked off wand an the water steam cut his hand across top between thumb an index finger.

April 30, 2013 VA · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON

He put a 24" ladder next to steering tire 42" tall he was filling reservoir on radiator he asked driver if it was leaking that was standing next to truck he said yes there was. He went to get down ladder twisted side-ways he fell hitting his knee on steering lugs when I came in he showed me his injury and it was 4" red spot. I asked him to go hospital he said no.

April 21, 2013 VA · Coal electrician, lineman DUST DISEASE OF LUNGS
Pigeon Creek Processing Corporation · Inhalation of radiations, caustics, toxic and noxious substances

Received a CWP diagnosis on 2/14/2014. Employee was termed on 4/21/2013 and is no longer employed with the company. Accident date of 4/21/2013 is to accommodate online reporting per MSHA (Denver) instructions.

2012 · 1 incident

December 8, 2012 VA · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Pigeon Creek Processing Corporation · Struck by flying object

Employee was linking wash box chain together, one employee was striking chain with sledge hammer, the hammer head came off striking employee in mouth, chipping left front tooth.

2011 · 2 incidents

December 29, 2011 VA · Coal welder (shop) HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Pigeon Creek Processing Corporation · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee along with another employee was carrying a piece of angle iron across the road in front of the plant office. He stated his right knee "popped" and started hurting. He said he could not put his weight on it. Employee was carrying 72 lbs. Employee was transported to Primary Care Center in Hazard, Ky where he was seen and released to return to work.

September 30, 2011 VA · Coal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator MACHINERY
Pigeon Creek Processing Corporation · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was using a hand drill to drill holes in a metal sign when the drill slipped and the bit struck his left hand puncturing his hand between thumb and first finger.

2010 · 3 incidents

September 2, 2010 VA · Coal pumper HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Pigeon Creek Processing Corporation · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

The employee was cleaning out the bed of the loadout services truck when his finger was cut while attempting to throw away a broken 25' tape measure. The tape caught on an object in the truck and cut through his glove cutting his finger. There were no lost or restricted days. This is a medical only report.

April 15, 2010 VA · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Pigeon Creek Processing Corporation · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was attempting to open a gate over a feeder with come-a-long when the come-a-long came unhooked under tension hitting employee in left arm resulting in lacerations. Employee received 5 stitches and returned to work on his next regularly scheduled shift. This is a medical only injury.

February 13, 2010 VA · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Pigeon Creek Processing Corporation · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

The individual was replacing hammers in the crusher when a hammer dropped off the shelf. The individual caught the hammer to prevent it from falling onto the belt. The individual did not go to a doctor until 03/04/10 and started missing work on that day.

2009 · 1 incident

March 18, 2009 VA · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Pigeon Creek Processing Corporation · Over-exertion in lifting objects

The employee was lifting a come-along onto the load out belt and strained his back. The injury required physical therapy.

2008 · 4 incidents

October 4, 2008 VA · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Pigeon Creek Processing Corporation · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

The employee was shoveling material from the floor of the no. 2 raw coal silo and strained his lower back.

September 15, 2008 VA · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Pigeon Creek Processing Corporation · Struck against stationary object

The injured employee and another person were carrying a back plate of a pump. The injured walked into a pipe striking his shoulder against the pipe resulting in a strain which required physicial therapy.

March 20, 2008 VA · Coal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Pigeon Creek Processing Corporation · Struck against stationary object

The employee was tightening the bolts on a new chemical pump. The wrench he was using slipped causing his right hand to strike a shim that was under an adjacent bolt. This resulted in a laceration to the back of his right thumb which required sutures.

February 27, 2008 VA · Coal welder (shop) SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Pigeon Creek Processing Corporation · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

The employee had been cleaning top deck. As he stepped down from the screen onto the decking, he felt a pop in his right knee. He continued to work his regular job until 3-31-08. He did not miss any work until 3-31-08.

2007 · 4 incidents

December 17, 2007 VA · Coal prep plant foreman, supervisor, mill plant supervisor, kiln supervisor HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Pigeon Creek Processing Corporation · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

The injured was utilizing a belt crossover to cross the no. 1 truck dump belt. He climbed to the top of the crossover and when he turned he twisted his back. He did not start misisng work until feb 8, 2008.

October 15, 2007 VA · Coal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver POWERED HAULAGE
Pigeon Creek Processing Corporation · Struck against a moving object

The employee was operating a refuse haul truck. He stated that he struck a hole in the road which caused him to bounce resulting in lower back pain.

May 31, 2007 VA · Coal prep plant foreman, supervisor, mill plant supervisor, kiln supervisor POWERED HAULAGE
East Mountain Processing Llc · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

Injured was working in area of moving conveyor belt. Injured got right arm caught between troughing idler and belt.

January 30, 2007 VA · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech MACHINERY
East Mountain Processing Llc · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Hoist cable slipped with oxygen tank when raising tank off 7th floor of plant with hoist. It came back and hit employee on head.

2006 · 1 incident

September 12, 2006 VA · Coal pumper HANDLING OF MATERIALS
East Mountain Processing Llc · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Injured alleged he was setting rock off of rock crusher and experienced pain in his left shoulder. Worked 9/13/06 & was off 9/14 & 9/15.

2005 · 3 incidents

December 9, 2005 VA · Coal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
East Mountain Processing Llc · Fall from machine

EMPLOYEE WAS STANDING ON TOP OF ROTARY BREAKER THAT WAS BEING DISMANTLED (APPROX. 11 FT. ABOVE THE GROUND). HE WAS CUTTING SCRAP METAL USING WELDING TORCH. HE STEPPED ON THE PIECE JUST CUT AND IT BROKE, CAUSING HIM TO FALL TO THE GROUND (BACK STRAIN).

November 15, 2005 VA · Coal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator STRIKING OR BUMPING
East Mountain Processing Llc · Struck against stationary object

INJURED STATED HE WAS WORKING ON A CONVEYOR AND WALKED AROUND HEAD END AND CAUGHT CORNER OF ANOTHER CHUTE, CUTTING HIS LEFT EYE LID.

April 27, 2005 VA · Coal ENTRAPMENT
East Mountain Processing Llc · Accident type, without injuries

Employee was pushing coal to raw coal feeder with a dozer when he pushed into a cavity causing coal to slide in around the dozer keeping him from backing up or open the doors until the coal was removed. Employee was not injured, equipment was not hurt.

2004 · 1 incident

September 21, 2004 VA · Coal draftsman, surveyor/transit work supervisor SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
East Mountain Processing Llc · Fall onto or against objects

Employee was climbing up a hillside that had been grubbed. He began to slip and grabbed some loose slate rock to stop his slide. The rock cut two fingers on his right hand as he slid.

2003 · 2 incidents

August 15, 2003 VA · Coal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman NONPOWERED HAULAGE
East Mountain Processing Llc · Struck against stationary object

EMPLOYEE BUMPED HIS CHIN ON AN OXYGEN REGULATER GUAGE CAUSING SMALL CUT ON UNDERSIDE OF CHIN.

2002 · 2 incidents

January 17, 2002 VA · Coal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman HANDLING OF MATERIALS
East Mountain Processing Llc · Absorption of radiations, caustics, toxic and noxious substances

INJURED WAS APPLYING STONEHAND TO THE SANGAVE 08 A PAN WHEN THE WET PRODUCT SEEPAD THROUGH HIS CLOTHES AND ON TO HIS WRIST CAUSING IRRITATION.

January 4, 2002 VA · Coal welder (shop) MACHINERY
East Mountain Processing Llc · Contact with hot objects or substances

WELDING BEAM IN TIGHT AREA OVERHEAD WHEN HOT SLAG SPARD FELT IN TO LEFT EAR.

2001 · 4 incidents

December 27, 2001 VA · Coal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman MACHINERY
East Mountain Processing Llc · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

IN PROCESS OF HOISTING SUMP ASSEMBLY ASSEMBLY BECAME LODGED OR HUNG EE PLACED HIMSELF BETWEEN HOISTED LOAD AND DOORAY LOAD SHIFTED CATCHING EE S LEFT LEG.

October 15, 2001 VA · Coal mine manager, mine foreman, mine owner HANDLING OF MATERIALS
East Mountain Processing Llc · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE WAS HELPING TO PULL THE SWING AWAY JIB, BACK ONT HE MAIN BOOM OF A 150 TON CRANE EE WAS USING A 3/8 POLY ROPE TO PULL THE JIB IN BY HAND, THE ROPE BROKE BETWEEN EE AND OTHER THE ROPE SLIPPE D THRU EE S HAND. HE RECEIVED LACERATION TO HIS RIGHT THUMB AND FOUR FINGERS OF HIS OF HIS LEFT HANDS. HE WAS TAKEN TO THE ARH MEDICAL CENTER E.R. FOR TREATMENT.

February 6, 2001 VA · Coal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
East Mountain Processing Llc · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

WHILE WALKING ON DRY GROUND, EE MISSTEPPED AND SPRAINED HIS RIGHT ANKLE. EE WAS SENT TO DR. OFFICE FOR EXAM ON HIS RIGHT ANKLE.

January 23, 2001 VA · Coal mine manager, mine foreman, mine owner SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
East Mountain Processing Llc · Fall from machine

EE UNLOADING SKIRT BOARDS FROM A FLATBED TRUCK. HE SLIPPED, FELL OFF TRUCK AND LANDED ON SKIRT BOARDS, STRIKING HIS RIGHT SHOULDER AND SIDE.

2000 · 1 incident

February 2, 2000 VA · Coal electrician, lineman HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Stonega Mining & Processing Company · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

INJURED SAID HE HAD WATER HOSE IN ONE HAND AND BENT OVER TO PICK UP A PIECE OF BAR GRATING WITH OTHER HAND. AS HE REMOVED GRATING HE FELT SOMETHING PULL IN STOMACH.