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METAL/NONMETAL MINE FATALITY - On March 20, 2001, a 42-year-old miner with 14 years mining experience was fatally injured at an underground platinum mine. The victim and a co-worker were installing roof bolts when material fell from the rib and crushed him.

Drawing Depicting Accident Scene

Best Practices

  • Ground conditions should be tested, as well as visually examined, prior to commencing drilling activity.


  • Ground conditions that create a hazard to persons should be taken down or supported before other work or travel is permitted in the affected area.
    • More Information E-mail Suggestion for Accident Prevention Program Submit your own suggestion for a remedy to prevent this type of accident in the future.
    Please specify if you wish your submission to be anonymous or whether your name may be used. Please include the year of the fatality and the fatality number.

    This is the seventh fatality reported in calendar year 2001 in the metal and nonmetal mining industries. As of this date in 2000, there were nine fatalities reported in these industries. This is the first fatality classified as Fall of Roof/Back in 2001. There were no Fall of Roof/Back fatalities in the same period in 2000.

    The information provided in this notice is based on preliminary data ONLY and does not represent final determinations regarding the nature of the incident or conclusions regarding the cause of the fatality.


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