January 30, 2026 - On May 1, 2025, an excavator operator died after material from a tailings cell engulfed the excavator he was operating. At the time of the accident, the excavator operator was loading dry material into two haul trucks.

Best Practices:

• Establish and follow ground control procedures that are consistent with prudent engineering design for the safe control of all highwalls, pits, spoil banks and any area where miners will be working below a tailings or water storage cell.  
• Examine highwalls, banks, and other areas that slope into working areas after every rain, freeze, or thaw and before miners begin work in such areas.
• Stay clear of potentially unstable areas.  Document and correct unsafe ground conditions in the affected area.
• Equip excavators with two-way communication systems, high-strength glass, light sticks, cooling packs, and a breathable air device when working on material that has the potential to slide or engulf mobile equipment.

Miners and mine operators can find safety and health information on MSHA.gov.