The victim was operating a 4-yard loader traveling down the 38 West foot-wall-lateral between the 4500 and the 5000 area, when the loader went into a water ditch and struck the rib. At that time, a rock bolt that was protruding from the rib caught the small side window entered the cab and struck the victim.
Fatality #12 - October 31, 2011
Accident Classification: Powered Haulage
Location: STILLWATER MINE, Montana
Mine Controller: Stillwater Mining Company
Mine Type: Underground
Mined Material: Platinum Group Ore
Incident Date/Time: October 31, 2011 02:20 pm
PUBLIC NOTICE
This posting serves to provide a public notice to employees of the mine, employees of the mining company(s), employees of independent contractors with any connection to the mine, persons with any connection to the mine, and any person with information regarding the cause or contributing factors of this accident.
Please provide any information to Mike H. Tromble, Lead Accident Investigator at 303-231-5465.
PRELIMINARY REPORT
The victim was operating a 4-yard loader traveling down the 38 West foot-wall-lateral between the 4500 and the 5000 area, when the loader went into a water ditch and struck the rib. At that time, a rock bolt that was protruding from the rib caught the small side window entered the cab and struck the victim.
FATALITY ALERT
METAL/NONMETAL MINE FATALITY -On October 31, 2011, a 42 year-old muck haul leadman with 3½ years of experience was killed in an underground platinum mine. The victim was operating a 4-yard loader in a drift when the loader struck the left rib. At that time, a spieling (rebar anchored in the rib for ground control) that was protruding from the rib, penetrated the front side window, entered the cab, and struck him.
FINAL REPORT
MAI-2011-12
UNITED STATES
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR