Mining Incidents

Sugar Maple Mine Coal

Controlled by Patriot Coal Corporation
Wharton, Boone County, WV  ·  Abandoned and Sealed
MSHA Mine ID: 4609073

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Fatalities
0
Total incidents
53
Years on record
2005–2012
Latest incident
Jul 2012
Compliance record
MSHA citations since 2005
341
citations
121
significant & substantial
$582,543
proposed penalties
$291,680
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
2012 Q4 176 3 1 17045.5
2012 Q2 33,116 28 10 845.5
2012 Q1 1,888 29 13 15360.2
2011 Q4 3,526 8 3 2268.9
2011 Q3 32,426 11 5 339.2
2011 Q1 33,853 8 3 236.3
2010 Q4 6,343 7 3 1103.6
2010 Q2 0 11 3
Quarters under 100,000 reported hours are greyed: too few hours for a stable rate.
No fatalities recorded at this mine.

Reportable incidents

53 on file

2012 · 6 incidents

July 24, 2012 WV · Coal bull gang foreman, labor foreman, leadman, section foreman, shift boss SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Gateway Eagle Coal Company, LLC · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee stated that while walking across the section, he slipped and twisted his right knee. Employee continued to work until 11/08/2012 at which time he began missing work.

April 26, 2012 WV · Coal continuous miner operator, coal mole operator SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Gateway Eagle Coal Company, LLC · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee stated that he was walking in the No. 3 Entry outby the L.O.B. when he stepped in a small hole and twisted his right knee.

March 30, 2012 WV · Coal laborer, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, roof trimmer/scaler SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Gateway Eagle Coal Company, LLC · Fall to the walkway or working surface

Employee was pulling a cable from the #3 to the #4 entry. As he walked through the crosscut, he slipped and fell, resulting in a fracture to his left ankle.

March 8, 2012 WV · Coal roof bolter, rock bolter, pinner, mobile roof support operator (mrs) HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Gateway Eagle Coal Company, LLC · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee stated that while bending a 5' resin bolt over the ATRS of the roof bolt machine, the bolt slipped and caused him to strain a muscle in the back of his neck.

February 13, 2012 WV · Coal FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Gateway Eagle Coal Company, LLC · Accident type, without injuries

Roof fall occurred in the No. 4 Entry, 1 Break inby the feeder, approximately 40' outby survey station 2340. Fall was approximately 50' long and the width of the entry.

2011 · 7 incidents

November 4, 2011 WV · Coal FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Lago Mining, LLC · Accident type, without injuries

A roof fall was discovered 2 breaks inby spad #33. This roof fall measured 6' thick by 30' long by 30' wide (extending into the crosscut on either side). This area was mined in May of 2006. The fall does not impede ventilation or travel and will not be cleaned up. The fall has been dangered off and cribbed.

October 11, 2011 WV · Coal FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Lago Mining, LLC · Accident type, without injuries

A roof fall was discovered at 3:50 pm in the #2 entry of the SE Mains 40' inby spad # 36. The fall measured 60' long by 20' wide by 6' thick. The fall does not impede ventilation or travel and has not been cleaned up. The fall has been breakered and dangered off. This area was mined in 2006 and was supported with 4' fully grouted bolts.

September 21, 2011 WV · Coal discontinued 1/31/2014. several other codes cover scoop car operator HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Lago Mining, LLC · Struck by falling object

While employee was lifting a timber onto the scoop bucket, a timber rolled from the bucket, striking employee on the right middle finger, fracturing it.

July 12, 2011 WV · Coal FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Lago Mining, LLC · Accident type, without injuries

A roof fall was discovered at 3:44 pm in the intersection between spad # 1032 and the #2F examination point in the #6 entry. The fall measured 0'-7' thick X 20' wide X 26' long. This fall does not prohibit travel or adversely affect ventilation. The fall area has been dangered off and timbered and will not be cleaned up.

June 7, 2011 WV · Coal electrician, lineman HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Lago Mining, LLC · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was installing high voltage plug at power center. While skinning a wire, employee's knife slipped, cutting his Left index finger.

May 16, 2011 WV · Coal roof bolter, rock bolter, pinner, mobile roof support operator (mrs) SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Mountain Edge Mining Inc · Fall from machine

Employee stopped mantrip and put on park brake to change drivers. His foot got caught on something and he fell off of the mantrip. Mantrip was NOT moving.

March 25, 2011 WV · Coal bull gang foreman, labor foreman, leadman, section foreman, shift boss FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Mountain Edge Mining Inc · Struck by falling object

Employee was putting up an outside bolt and running head when brow fell out and hit his left lower leg.

2010 · 8 incidents

December 1, 2010 WV · Coal FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Mountain Edge Mining Inc · Accident type, without injuries

A roof fall was discovered @ spad #18 @ 2:10pm on 12/1/10. It measured 12'(L) x 19'(W) x 0 to 5"(T). It doesn't impede ventilation or travel and has been cribbed & dangered off.

September 3, 2010 WV · Coal roof bolter, rock bolter, pinner, mobile roof support operator (mrs) MACHINERY
Mountain Edge Mining Inc · Caught in, under or between (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was drilling a test hole when his glove got wrapped around the steel injuring his left hand.

June 20, 2010 WV · Coal FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Mountain Edge Mining Inc · Accident type, without injuries

Unplanned roof fall measuring 0" to 5 ft. thick, 50' long & 19' wide. Located between spad #'s 160 & 161. Discovered at 10:15pm on 6/20/2010. Time & date of fall unknown.

May 12, 2010 WV · Coal bull gang foreman, labor foreman, leadman, section foreman, shift boss HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Mountain Edge Mining Inc · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was carrying beams & jacks. The beam slipped from his hand causing an abrasion on his right wrist & a laceration on right upper leg.

March 19, 2010 WV · Coal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver POWERED HAULAGE
Mountain Edge Mining Inc · Struck against a moving object

DRIVER STATES THAT HE FELL ASLEEP AND DROVE INTO A SUMP HOLE ON HAUL ROAD. SEAT BELT BROKE AND HE LANDED ON FIRE EXTINGUISHER. DRIVER WAS TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL BY AMBULANCE AND DIAGNOSED WITH CONTUSION OF RIGHT HIP AND LOWER BACK.

March 12, 2010 WV · Coal roof bolter, rock bolter, pinner, mobile roof support operator (mrs) MACHINERY
Mountain Edge Mining Inc · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was drilling a hole in the mine top, when the pusher flew out & hit employee between the eyes.

2009 · 5 incidents

June 5, 2009 WV · Coal FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Mountain Edge Mining Inc · Accident type, without injuries

A roof fall measuring 30' long x 20' wide x 7' thick was discovered @ 2:35pm on 6/5/09. This area was mined in January of 2009.

March 9, 2009 WV · Coal discontinued 1/31/2014. several other codes cover scoop car operator HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Mountain Edge Mining Inc · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE cut his left arm on a metal roof bolt binding strap while he was unloading roof bolts from a scoop bucket and placing them on the bolting machine.

January 20, 2009 WV · Coal roof bolter, rock bolter, pinner, mobile roof support operator (mrs) FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Mountain Edge Mining Inc · Struck by falling object

While moving the roof bolter inby to bolt the next row, employee was struck on the top of his head by a piece of rock that fell from between the bolt and rib. (2.5'L x2.5'W x 3"T)

2008 · 2 incidents

August 5, 2008 WV · Coal laborer, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, roof trimmer/scaler HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Mountain Edge Mining Inc · Struck by falling object

While setting Heintzman Jacks in the intake, employee smashed his middle finger(R) as he dropped a jack on it. Sutures were required.

2007 · 5 incidents

March 5, 2007 WV · Coal FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Long Branch Energy · Accident type, without injuries

Roof fall occured in a 4-way intersection at 001 section, No. 5 neutral entry near spad No. 24. Fall was 20' wide by 20' long and 6' to 8' thick. Area was developed in March 2005 and was bolted with No. 5, 48" full grout bolts.

January 24, 2007 WV · Coal FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Long Branch Energy · Accident type, without injuries

Roof fall occured in No. 2 entry near spad No. 725, 800 feet outby active face. Rock is 90 ft. long x 20 ft. wide and 6 to 8 feet thick. Area had some roof cracks with water seepage. Roof was bolted with full grout No. 5 x 48 in. bolts. Ribs had been timbered on 4 ft. centers.

January 10, 2007 WV · Coal roof bolter, rock bolter, pinner, mobile roof support operator (mrs) FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Long Branch Energy · Struck by falling object

Employee was helping on continuous miner when a rock 3" thick by 2' by 4' fell and pushed him to the floor.

January 8, 2007 WV · Coal shuttle car operator, mantrip operator, ramcar operator, rail runner, buggy operator OTHER
Long Branch Energy · Unclassified, insufficient data

EE filed an ALLEDGED Occupational Pneumoconiosis Claim on 1/8/07. Received notice on 1/17/07 of Claim No. 2007000653. This is the third claim filed, previous claim No's. 98-031669 and 2002027776 have been submitted.

January 3, 2007 WV · Coal FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Long Branch Energy · Accident type, without injuries

Fall occurred on pillar line, approximately 70 ft. long x 70 ft. wide x 4-6 feet thick. Fall covered front of 14CM9 Joy Continuous Miner.

2006 · 9 incidents

December 19, 2006 WV · Coal electrician, lineman MACHINERY
Long Branch Energy · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was troubleshooting hydraulic circuit (cable reel valve) on a mobile roof support. While holding a rag and thumb over a port on the valve, oil pressure was applied and the oil pierced his left thumb and injected tissue with oil.

August 28, 2006 WV · Coal beltman, conveyor man, conveyor belt worker, mobile bridge carrierman, feeder operator, conveyor rider DUST DISEASE OF LUNGS
Long Branch Energy · Inhalation of radiations, caustics, toxic and noxious substances

Employee filed an ALLEDGED Occupational Pneumoconiosis Claim on 8/28/06. Received notice on 12/21/06 of Claim No. 2006052315. This is the second filling, First Claim No. 2001058084. He retired on 9/29/06

July 27, 2006 WV · Coal electrician, lineman POWERED HAULAGE
Long Branch Energy · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

Day shift electrician was assisting in moving a continuous miner underground. An electrical power move box was being transported in the bucket of a scoop. His right middle finger was cut/crushed when box was being pushed out of scoop bucket.

July 20, 2006 WV · Coal FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Long Branch Energy · Accident type, without injuries

Mining coal on pilar section at blocks 16 and 17. While extracting last lift, roof fell on continuous miner and sat down on one mobile roof support.

July 10, 2006 WV · Coal continuous miner operator, coal mole operator SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Long Branch Energy · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was pulling miner cable and twisted his right knee. He continued to work his regular scheduled job until 8/8/06.

May 23, 2006 WV · Coal roof bolter, rock bolter, pinner, mobile roof support operator (mrs) MACHINERY
Long Branch Energy · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Roof Bolter Operator was assisting maintenance crew in changing out the miner cutter head. While operating a portable hand grinder, the rotating cylinder disk cut his left forearm.

May 16, 2006 WV · Coal FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Long Branch Energy · Accident type, without injuries

Fall occur in a 3-way intersection and is within 20 feet of the 100 foot overburden line on the map. Rock is 60 feet long by 20 feet wide and 6 to 8 feet thick and is 4600 feet from the active face. This entry is a branch off of the intake going to the external bleeder. Area is breakered off.

April 13, 2006 WV · Coal FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Long Branch Energy · Accident type, without injuries

Rock is 60 ft. long, 20ft. wide by 6-8 ft. thick. Fall occurred in a 4-way intersection. This area was developed in April, 2005 and was supported with No. 5 x 48 inch full grout bolts with 8x8 plates. A coal rider seam is present at 8 ft. and is wet.

January 14, 2006 WV · Coal FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Long Branch Energy · Accident type, without injuries

Fall occur in a 4-way intersection in the No. 3 belt entry 100 ft inby spad No. 17, 1600 ft. from the face. Rock is 30 ft. long by 20 ft. wide by 6-8 feet. thick. This area had been bolted with No. 5, 48 in. fully grouted bolts in April, 2005. Some surface cracks are present.

2005 · 11 incidents

December 23, 2005 WV · Coal FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Long Branch Energy · Accident type, without injuries

Roof fall occur at a 4-way intersection in No. 3 entry near spad No. 55, 1150 outby pillar line. Water seepage is present and the fall was 50 ft. long by 20 ft. wide and 6 ft. thick.

December 19, 2005 WV · Coal shuttle car operator, mantrip operator, ramcar operator, rail runner, buggy operator OTHER
Long Branch Energy · Bodily reaction, (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee got out of the shuttle car and was starting to return to his seat when he experienced pain in his left knee.

December 2, 2005 WV · Coal roof bolter, rock bolter, pinner, mobile roof support operator (mrs) HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Long Branch Energy · Over-exertion in lifting objects

EE, eve shift roof bolter operator, was attempting to move miner cable when he apparently strained muscle in low back.

November 14, 2005 WV · Coal continuous miner operator, coal mole operator HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Long Branch Energy · Over-exertion in pulling or pushing objects

Miner oprator bent over to pull miner cable and apparently strained muscle in lower back.

October 31, 2005 WV · Coal bull gang foreman, labor foreman, leadman, section foreman, shift boss DUST DISEASE OF LUNGS
Long Branch Energy · Inhalation of radiations, caustics, toxic and noxious substances

EE filed an ALLEGED claim for Occupational Pneumoniosis on 10/31/05. His last day worked for Long Branch Energy was 5/18/05, due to other illness. Received notice of Claim No. 2006019204-OP on 1/23/06.

October 18, 2005 WV · Coal FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Long Branch Energy · Accident type, without injuries

Roof fall occured in a 4-way intersection in No. 2 entry at spad 32, 2200 feet from face and 600 feet from portal. Water is seeping thru roof and fall was 70' x 20' x 6 to 8 feet thick.

October 10, 2005 WV · Coal FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Long Branch Energy · Accident type, without injuries

A fall occured 300 feet outby the face, 60 feet outby spad No. 249 in No. 6 entry at a 4-way intersection. The roof has multiple cracks and prior to the fall, timbers and heitzmann jacks had been installed. The fall was 60 ft. long, 20 ft. wide and 6-8 ft. thick.

September 19, 2005 WV · Coal continuous miner operator, coal mole operator OTHER
Long Branch Energy · Inhalation of radiations, caustics, toxic and noxious substances

Employee filed an ALLEGED claim for Occupational Pneumoconiosis on 09/19/05. Received notification on 10/11/05. Claim No. 2006010290-OP. On 3/9/06 the OP Medical Board made a diagnosis of OP without pulmonary function impairment. No award was granted & is not entitled to any medical benefits. Therefore ee should be removed from the OP list.

June 29, 2005 WV · Coal FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Long Branch Energy · Accident type, without injuries

Roof fall in No. 6 entry between Spad No. 58 and No. 64, fall is 30'-40' long x 18' wide x 8'-10' thick. Fall is in intake entry and air will be re-routed into No. 5 entry. Reflectors and danger tags are hung. Area will be breakered off with 100 ton Heintzmann, Pizza Jacks.

June 9, 2005 WV · Coal FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Long Branch Energy · Accident type, without injuries

Fall occur between a 3-way and 4-way intersection. The 4-way intersection was supported with 100 ton Heintzmann jacks and I-Beams with 4-100 ton pizza pan jacks on the side where the fall occured. Fall is 30 ft. long, 19 ft. wide by 5-6 ft. thick

April 27, 2005 WV · Coal FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Long Branch Energy · Accident type, without injuries

Fall occured in a four-way intersection near spad No. 19. Fall is 30 ft. long by 18 ft. wide and 6-7 ft. thick. Area was recently mined. Multiple cracks and water are present. Cracks had been strapped with T-3 roof channel with 48 in. resin roof bolts.