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MSHA - Fatal Gram

METAL/NONMETAL MINE FATALITY - On October 12,1999, a 58-year-old lead miner with 29 years mining experience and a 49-year-old miner with 30 years mining experience were fatally injured at an underground gold mine. The victims were installing roof bolts near the face when a massive roof fall occurred.

Best Practices

  • Supplemental ground support should be installed in areas where evidence of faults or slips exist.

  • Temporary ground support should be utilized while permanent support is being installed.

  • An examination and test of the back and ribs to identify cracks, sagging or faults should be completed prior to beginning work and as often as conditions warrant.


  • This is the 38th and 39th fatality reported in calendar year 1999 in the metal and nonmetal mining industries. As of this date in 1998, there were 45 fatalities reported in these industries. This makes two fatalities classified as Fall of Roof in 1999. There were two Fall of Roof fatalities in the same period in 1998.

    For more information:
    Fatal Alert Bulletin Icon MSHA's Fatal Accident Investigation Report