MSHA investigates all serious and fatal mining accidents, then issues a comprehensive report of its findings.  On this page are investigative reports, internal reviews and independent assessments of high-profile mining disasters that have occurred since 2000. 

Upper Big Branch Mine-South
On April 5, 2010, a massive coal dust explosion at this coal mine in Montcoal, West Virginia, killed 29 miners. It was the largest mine disaster in the United States in 40 years.  
Accident Investigation Report
Internal Review
Assessment of Internal Review by NIOSH
Corrective Action Plan

Crandall Canyon Mine
An initial coal outburst on Aug. 6, 2007, fatally injured 6 miners at this coal mine in Huntington, Utah.. A second coal outburst occurred during rescue efforts on Aug. 16, 2007, fatally injuring another two miners and an MSHA inspector.
Accident Investigation Report
Independent Review

Darby Mine No. 1
An explosion in the early morning of May 20, 2006, resulted in fatal injuries to five miners at this coal mine in Holmes Mill, KY.
Accident Investigation Report
Internal Review

Aracoma Alma Mine #1
On Jan. 19, 2006, a fire resulted in the deaths of two miners at this coal mine in Stollings, WV.
Accident Investigation Report
Internal Review

Sago Mine
On Jan. 2, 2006, 12 miners were fatally injured when an explosion occurred at this coal mine in Tallmansville, WV.
Accident Investigation Report
Internal Review

No. 5 Mine, Jim Walter Resources
On Sept. 23, 2001, two explosions occurred within an hour of each other at this mine in Brookwood AL, resulting in fatal injuries to 13 miners.
Accident Investigation Report
Internal Review

Quecreek #1 Mine
On July 24, 2002, nine miners became trapped underground for nearly 77 hours in Somerset County, PA, when water from an adjoining abandoned mine breached the section in which they were working. They were rescued on July 28.
Accident Investigation Report