Mining Incidents

Edwight Surface Mine Coal

Sundial Mining LLC · Surface
Montcoal, Raleigh County, WV  ·  Active
MSHA Mine ID: 4608977

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Fatalities
0
Total incidents
48
Years on record
2003–2025
Latest incident
Dec 2025
Compliance record
MSHA citations since 2004
449
citations
193
significant & substantial
$596,709
proposed penalties
$504,870
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 20,670 18 3 870.8
2025 Q1 21,924 3 1 136.8
2024 Q4 18,535 12 1 647.4
2024 Q3 19,900 1 0 50.3
2024 Q1 20,912 0 0 0.0
2022 Q2 0 0 0
2021 Q3 0 0 0
2021 Q1 0 0 0
Quarters under 100,000 reported hours are greyed: too few hours for a stable rate.
No fatalities recorded at this mine.

Reportable incidents

48 on file

2025 · 1 incident

December 18, 2025 WV · Coal crane operator, mobile equipment operator (meo), dragline operator, dropball operator, rigger POWERED HAULAGE
Sundial Mining LLC · Struck against a moving object

Employee stated that EE was operating a 101 Komatsu truck when the truck struck a hole in the road. This caused the employees seat to bottom out, jarring EE's back. Due to medical information received on 12/31/2025, this incident is being submitted as an Occupational Illness.

2024 · 1 incident

June 26, 2024 WV · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Sundial Mining LLC · Struck by falling object

Employee was removing a turbo from engine of a Komatsu 600. Part became dislodged from mounting surface & struck the employees left pinky finger. Employee was transported to hospital for stitches to repair laceration & returned to work next date.

2017 · 1 incident

November 16, 2017 WV · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Alex Energy LLC · Struck against stationary object

Mechanic was disembarking off of the fuel truck. Misjudged the step and fell backward, hitting their head on the open door, edge of the service truck.

2016 · 2 incidents

April 7, 2016 WV · Coal master mechanic, foreman, supervisor POWERED HAULAGE
Alex Energy LLC · Struck against a moving object

Employee was operating an articulating truck down the access road when EE veered off the road and came to a stop on a hillside. EE does not remember anything leading up to this event.

January 28, 2016 WV · Coal bulldozer operator, universal operator, heavy equipment operator, operating engineer MACHINERY
Alex Energy LLC · Struck against a moving object

Employee was backing EE's DI dozer up the slope when the tracks got stuck on a rock. This caused the dozer to jar a little bit. The employee stated EE had pain in EE's neck later on.

2015 · 1 incident

July 27, 2015 WV · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Alex Energy LLC · Struck by flying object

Mechanic was using a homemade tool to work on a D11 dozer. The tool broke causing a piece to fly out, striking employee in the forehead.

2014 · 3 incidents

November 7, 2014 WV · Coal blaster, shooter, shotfirer, explosive worker, powder gang/monkey HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Alex Energy LLC · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was cutting a box when the knife slipped cutting his left leg just under the knee resulting in a cut requiring 3 stitches.

June 16, 2014 WV · Coal bulldozer operator, universal operator, heavy equipment operator, operating engineer HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Alex Energy LLC · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

Employee raised the lid on the battery box to check the hinges, battery leads and to check for combustible materials. He failed to insure the lid was locked and the lid fell breaking a bone in his hand.

January 30, 2014 WV · Coal belt foreman, maintenance foreman, maintenance supervisor SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Alex Energy LLC · Fall to the walkway or working surface

Employee was walking up on a berm, to trouble shoot the highwall miner electrical junction box. The snow was deep and the toe of his boot caught a frozen rut. He fell on his left forearm, causing a fracture to the ball in the upper portion of his radial bone.

2013 · 2 incidents

November 9, 2013 WV · Coal outside foreman, leadman MACHINERY
Alex Energy LLC · Fall from machine

Employee was cutting a rock deverter from between two tires. The deverter was bent and had tension. When the piece was cut with the torch, the stored energy knocked him off of truck tire.upon landing on the ground, he cut his right wrist. The employee then went to the hospital where he received 5 stitches and was release to come back to work that night.

February 25, 2013 WV · Coal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman MACHINERY
Alex Energy LLC · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Steam gun got stuck and cut across face.

2012 · 6 incidents

October 2, 2012 WV · Coal draftsman, surveyor/transit work supervisor SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Alex Energy LLC · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was walking on the pit when she slipped and twisted her knee. Wet and muddy conditions.

July 23, 2012 WV · Coal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Alex Energy LLC · Caught in, under or between (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Driver was in MT4204-777 coal truck and he reached between the seats to get paper towels and got finger caught in vent fan.

June 5, 2012 WV · Coal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Alex Energy LLC · Fall onto or against objects

EE was walking up steps to catwalk and tripped over last step, he went to grab the handrail and missed. He then fell and punctured his right hand between knuckles requiring 4 stitches.

May 22, 2012 WV · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Alex Energy LLC · Struck against stationary object

Setting Hydraulic valve back into the tank on a 785, valve slipped out of hand causing right thumb to strike a baffle in the tank, cutting right thumb, requiring stitches.

May 8, 2012 WV · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Alex Energy LLC · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

Removing the right side hoist jack off of a D10R AKT506 and pinched right index finger between jack and yoke, required stitches, no time lost, full duty

March 16, 2012 WV · Coal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman MACHINERY
Alex Energy LLC · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Dropped steam cleaner gun and struck him across the face.

2011 · 2 incidents

November 11, 2011 WV · Coal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Alex Energy LLC · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE was walking on the walkway towards the cab of the truck with his left arm following along the hand rail. At his time his right foot slipped off the edge of the small part of the walkway. His reaction was to catch himself, at which time he felt and immediate pain in his upper left arm like a muscle had been pulled or torn.

March 23, 2011 WV · Coal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver OTHER
Alex Energy LLC · Absorption of radiations, caustics, toxic and noxious substances

Contractor was using a portable restroom when an insect (spider) bit him on his right upper thigh part of his leg.

2009 · 6 incidents

September 15, 2009 WV · Coal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver ALL OTHER OCCUPATIONAL ILLNESSES
Alex Energy LLC · (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Operator reported to his supervisor of feeling shoulder pain in his left shoulder during his shift.

September 4, 2009 WV · Coal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver POWERED HAULAGE
Alex Energy LLC · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Contractor cut the tip of his right middle finger.

August 28, 2009 WV · Coal bulldozer operator, universal operator, heavy equipment operator, operating engineer OTHER
Alex Energy LLC · (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Member had a heart attack and died, natural cause was determined. (some reports still pending

May 17, 2009 WV · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Alex Energy LLC · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Member cut his finger with a utility knife. Causing him to receive stitches.

May 4, 2009 WV · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Alex Energy LLC · Fall to the walkway or working surface

While working on a Komatsu 475 Bulldozer to remove rock that was wedged between blade and front structure, EE was putting up his 9000lb crane and snatch block, slipped on a rock and fell with snatch block and hurt his lower back.

2008 · 3 incidents

October 17, 2008 WV · Coal bulldozer operator, universal operator, heavy equipment operator, operating engineer MACHINERY
Alex Energy LLC · Struck against stationary object

Operator was backing up a dozer and hit a rock causing him to break his tooth.

January 11, 2008 WV · Coal blaster, shooter, shotfirer, explosive worker, powder gang/monkey SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Alex Energy LLC · Fall down stairs

Employee missed last step coming out of the office trailer. Turned his ankle.

2007 · 6 incidents

September 16, 2007 WV · Coal welder (shop) HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Alex Energy LLC · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE was checking a tie rod on a utility truck and got some dirt on his eyebrow. He removed his safety glasses to wipe his eyebrow & knocked dirt into his eye. He worked the 16th and 17th of Sept before going to a doctor on the 18th. The doctor referred him to a specialist on 9/22/07 and he was given time off for a scratched eye.

August 8, 2007 WV · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech MACHINERY
Alex Energy LLC · Over-exertion in pulling or pushing objects

While pushing a wheelbarrow loaded with rock, employee strained left lower back, when the wheelbarrow tilted and he attempted to straighten it up.

May 16, 2007 WV · Coal bulldozer operator, universal operator, heavy equipment operator, operating engineer SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Alex Energy LLC · Fall from machine

This is his statement from a Workers Comp Claim. Member stated he fell off a piece of equipment. This was never reported to anyone at the mine site so no investigation or facts were included for this report.

April 3, 2007 WV · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Alex Energy LLC · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

while assisting with installation of lift jack on D10R dozer, light bracket that was laying on hood fell stricking hard hat.

January 3, 2007 WV · Coal bulldozer operator, universal operator, heavy equipment operator, operating engineer MACHINERY
Alex Energy LLC · Struck against a moving object

Member was backing up a D11 Dozer and the roller frame kicked back. This caused the member to be shaken in the cab and caused him to have shoulder pain.

January 2, 2007 WV · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Alex Energy LLC · Struck by flying object

Employee driving a bushing into a hard bar; piece chipped off, entered left eye. Taken to E.R. to remove piece of metal.

2006 · 4 incidents

November 13, 2006 WV · Coal electrician, lineman HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Alex Energy LLC · Struck against stationary object

Employee alledges that he was replacing a hydraulic hose on a jack when he cut the top of his hand on a pin sticking out of the top of the jack. Received 4 stitches.

October 9, 2006 WV · Coal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman EXPLODING VESSELS UNDER PRESSURE
Alex Energy LLC · Contact with hot objects or substances

While traveling between work areas, the vehicle that ee was driving overheated. He stated that he opened the hood of the vehicle and the radiator cap blew off the radiator causing hot liquid to spew from radiator. The liquid burnt his left wrist.

April 11, 2006 WV · Coal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Independence Coal Co Inc. · Struck by rolling or sliding object

Contractor was moving parts to count inventory. A pipe rolled over on his right hand, cutting his pinkie finger.

February 8, 2006 WV · Coal outside foreman, leadman MACHINERY
Independence Coal Co Inc. · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

Employee crawled under dozer to check problem. Another employee inadvertently lowered blade of machine onto back of employee who was under machine.

2005 · 6 incidents

October 4, 2005 WV · Coal bulldozer operator, universal operator, heavy equipment operator, operating engineer MACHINERY
Independence Coal Co Inc. · Struck against a moving object

Employee was backing up in his run, when a big rock fell behind dozer. EE ran over rock, track slipped off rock. He jammed right shoulder and neck while looking back.

July 11, 2005 WV · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Independence Coal Co Inc. · Fall to the walkway or working surface

Tripped and fell on left side, dislocated rib.

April 19, 2005 WV · Coal outside foreman, leadman HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Independence Coal Co Inc. · Struck by falling object

EE WAS PUTTING LINE ON RIGHT LIFT JACK OF DOZER BLADE. WHEN HE REPLACED LINE ON JACK, THE BUSHING CAP FELL OFF, HITTING EE'S HEAD.

February 9, 2005 WV · Coal driller, highwall operator, highwall drill operator FALL OF FACE/RIB/PILLAR/SIDE/HIGHWALL
Independence Coal Co Inc. · Struck by falling object

EE WAS IN THE PROCESS OF CHANGING RIGHT SIDE CUTTER MOTOR. A PIECE OF ROCK FELL AND HIT HEAD OF HIGHWALL MINER AND GLANCED BACK UNDER LAUNCH CANOPY, STRIKING EE 2" BELOW LEFT EYE. (LACERATION REQUIRED STITCHES.)

January 5, 2005 WV · Coal welder (shop) SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Independence Coal Co Inc. · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Mechanic/ welder was putting crib blocks under a D11 dozer, he was on his knees while performing this task. When he went to move his knee popped.

2004 · 3 incidents

December 15, 2004 WV · Coal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Independence Coal Co Inc. · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EMPLOYEE WAS INSTALLING CB MOUNTING BRACKET IN ROCK TRUCK WITH A MULTITOOL WHEN THE BLADE INADVERTENTLY CAME OPEN CUTTING RIGHT MIDDLE FINGER.

September 7, 2004 WV · Coal assayer, geologist, metallurgist, engineer, engineer management HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Independence Coal Co Inc. · Caught in, under or between (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EMPLOYEE WAS ATTEMPTING TO MOVE A DIESEL WATER PUMP WHEN JACK STAND FOLDED UP, SMASHING EE'S MIDDLE FINGER ON HIS RT. HAND REQUIRING 6 STITCHES.

March 22, 2004 WV · Coal electrician, lineman HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Independence Coal Co Inc. · Over-exertion in lifting objects

Remove surface power line, while removing pole mounted light, ee was in using a bucket truck to perform this work, ee felt a pull in lower middle back.

2003 · 1 incident

December 23, 2003 WV · Coal miner, prospector, nec NO VALUE FOUND
Independence Coal Co Inc. · No Value Found

THE EE HAD MOVED A LADDER AND SET IT UP. HE STARTED UP THE LADDER TO TIE THE TOP OF THE LADDER OFF. WHEN HE REACHED THE 3RD RUNG THE LADDER SLIPPED ON THE DECKING AND HE FELL, STRIKING HIS LEFT SHOULDER ON THE DECKING.