Miner dies in mining accident in Virginia

Metallurgical coal producer Coronado Global Resources halted production at its Buchanan underground complex in Virginia on Friday evening after a 27-year-old miner was killed when a loose rock fell about two meters from the mine roof.

The Virginia Department of Energy, which is currently investigating the incident, reported that the victim worked the evening shift as an anchor technician. Anchor technicians play a critical role in mine safety by securing the roof where coal is mined.

The roof collapse occurred just as the evening crew arrived at the active area to begin their shift.

ASX-listed Coronado said on Monday it was cooperating fully with US federal and state authorities in the ongoing investigation. The company expressed its condolences and assured that it was cooperating with authorities.

The Buchanan complex is expected to resume operations later Monday.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the victim’s family and the entire coal mining community,” said the director of the Virginia Department of Energy Glenn Davis“The safety of Virginia’s coal miners remains this agency’s highest priority.”

The incident is the first fatal coal mining accident in Virginia since May 2015. By 2023, more than 2,000 miners were employed in the state’s coal mining industry.