Skip to main content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government.

Fatality #8 - September 7, 2011

Accident Classification: Explosives and Breaking Agents
Location: Kensington, Alaska
Mine Controller: Coeur Mining, Inc.
Mine Type: Underground
Mined Material: Gold Ore
Incident Date/Time: September 7, 2011 06:50 am

The victim was on the 1290 level ramp waiting for a blast to be initiated. When the round was initiated, the concussion from the explosion traveled through a 3-inch diameter borehole, blowing small rock and debris onto the victim.

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 Kenneth Poulson, Lead Accident Investigator at 707-447-9844.

PRELIMINARY REPORT

The victim was on the 1290 level ramp waiting for a blast to be initiated. When the round was initiated, the concussion from the explosion traveled through a 3-inch diameter borehole, blowing small rock and debris onto the victim.

FATALITY ALERT

METAL/NONMETAL MINE FATALITY -On September 7, 2011, a 30 year-old miner with 1 year of experience was killed at an underground gold mine. The victim was on a ramp waiting for a blast to be initiated. When the round was initiated, small rock and debris traveled through a 3-inch diameter diamond borehole, striking him.

FINAL REPORT
MAI-2011-08