MSHA is reporting that three miners have been permanently disabled since the beginning of 2024 because of rotating conveyor rollers. Serious and fatal injuries occur when miners clean or adjust conveyor rollers, pulleys and idlers while the belt is in motion. Injuries vary from broken bones to loss of fingers, hands and arms. Some accidents have resulted in fatal injuries. …
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Tahuehueto approaches final commissioning: Luca Mining
Canadian-based, Mexico-focused Luca Mining said testing of the final equipment to complete construction of its Tahuehueto underground gold mine is almost finished. In the crushing circuit, a new vibrating screen is currently being installed, to further improve crusher system availability. Additionally, final alignment and testing of the second 750-tonnes-per-day ball mill will be completed this month, providing an installed grinding…
Read MorePumpkin Hollow hit by ‘unforeseen setbacks’
In an operational update, Nevada Copper said that its Pumpkin Hollow underground copper mine faced several challenges, including a build-up of water underground, that impacted its progress in the fourth quarter. “Since restarting mining and milling operations, we’ve made progress in a number of areas, including completion of life of mine projects such as the Geho dewatering system and phase…
Read MoreUnited Coal bolsters mine rescue training at Virginia Tech
United Coal Company (UCC) has donated Biomarine mine rescue equipment to Virginia Tech’s Mine Engineering Department to help facilitate students’ development into proficient mining engineers. “The impact of this donation on the Virginia Tech Mine Engineering Department is expected to be profound, enhancing their ability to train and prepare for mine rescue operations,” said UCC officials. “The equipment enables more…
Read MoreCanadian authorities file criminal case against Diavik mine
Rio Tinto’s Diavik mine, located about 200 kilometers south of the Arctic Circle in the Northwest Territories, is facing a criminal case after a 2003 accident left an employee seriously injured, reported Reuters. “[The] Diavik diamond mine is charged with multiple counts alleging violations of the Mine Health and Safety Act, including failure to implement and maintain safe work practices,…
Read MoreMSHA identifies West Virginia mine as chronic violator
As a result of its second 2023 pattern of violations (POV) screening, the Mine Safety and Health Administration has identified Mine No. 39 in McDowell County, W.Va., as a chronic violator. The underground mine is operated by Twin State Mining. MSHA said that the mine met the initial POV criteria for the existence of a pattern of violations under section…
Read MoreBQE Water commissions largest Selen-IX plant
BQE Water has completed the commissioning phase and transitioned to the operating phase of its largest Selen-IX plant at an undisclosed base metal mine in the southwestern United States. The water treatment plant is expected to run year-round and treat up to 4,500 gallons of water per minute. The Selen-IX process technology treats mine impacted waters, removing selenium to below…
Read MoreMSHA alert: truck dumping safety
MSHA reported that on January 2, the driver of an over the road tractor-trailer haul truck died when the trailer tipped over onto the cab of the tractor. The driver was dumping part of the load of gravel from the trailer. Between 2018 and 2024, mine operators reported 14 injury accidents where over the road trucks tipped or rolled over…
Read MoreU.S. thermal coal exports highest in five years
According to data from ship-tracking firm Kpler, the United States exported more than 32.5 million metric tons of thermal coal in 2023, reported Reuters. The total volumes were the highest since 2018, and were worth more than $5 billion. Coal miners and trading firms have stepped up sales of U.S. coal to international buyers as domestic use of the product…
Read MorePROK opens cutting-edge facility in Utah
Conveyor equipment expert PROK held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its specialist manufacturing facility in Salt Lake City, Utah on January 24. The site will manufacture PROK HDPE, a high-tech composite roller featuring groundbreaking visual wear-indicator technology – a world-first in the industry. “PROK HDPE has redefined conveyor roller maintenance practices, offering enhanced efficiency and cost-effectiveness for mining operations globally,” noted…
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