Mine Collapses in North America

Carroll Technologies reviews some of the worst mine collapses in North America.

Avery Island salt mine roof collapse 

On December 14, 2020, the roof of the Avery Island salt mine operated by Cargill collapsed, resulting in Rene Romero, 41, and Lance Begnaud, 27, losing their lives. 

The mine was shut down immediately after the incident while rescue efforts were underway, and it was permanently closed six weeks later.  

The widows of the miners who lost their lives filed lawsuits, citing that known roof collapse hazards were ignored, mining regulations were not followed, and specifically that the two men were killed during a failed attempt to preserve profitable salt mining operations at the mine. The Cargill salt mine roof collapse is a prime example of the importance of listening to safety inspectors, and the catastrophic consequences if operators do not have adequate procedures in place. 

Donkin mine roof collapse 

Fortunately, the series of roof collapses at Donkin mine in Cape Breton did not result in any workers being injured. However, the operator, Kameron Coal, was fined $2,000 for an accumulation of combustible coal dust and a further $2,000 for failing to implement a safety plan that “may have provided an indication that the roof strata were exhibiting signs of potential failure.” 

As mining excavations go deeper, the focus on rock support to prevent roof and floor failure has never been more important. The failure of hard roof strata can be the most violent dynamic instability event in underground longwall mining. 

Marshall County mine roof collapse 

In 2015, one worker, John Garloch, 45, was killed and two others were injured in a coal mine roof collapse at the McElroy Mine in Marshall County, West Virginia. The incident was attributed to a “rib roll”. In underground mines, the walls or sides of travel ways are referred to as ribs and need to be secured.  

According to Lima Ohio news: “MSHA inspectors have issued 189 citations to the mine for alleged violations that included coal dust accumulation, hazardous conditions, noise exposure levels, air quality and other safety issues. The mine received 970 citations in 2014.” 

Carroll Technologies provides a range of high-quality Simplified Mining Instruments (SMI) ground movement monitoring devices to help prevent mine roof collapses within North America. Their product range includes the Sag Flag Roof Monitor which is used as a solid early warning system for ground control management, and the SMI Miner’s Bore Hole Camera for the inspection of boreholes. Contact us to discuss your mine safety requirements.

View the SMI Sag Flag early warning and ground control management system installation