Mining Publication: Mining Facts for 2000

A total of 14,413 mining operations reported employment to the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA). Mine operators reported 240,000 full-time equivalent workers (down 3.9 percent from 1999). Eighty-four (84) work-related mine fatalities occurred in 2000 compared to 90 the year before. There were 10,839 nonfatal lost-time injuries reported to MSHA, occurring at a rate of 3.8 injuries per 100 full-time equivalent workers, and resulting in a total of 417,918 lost workdays. Seven hundred sixty-seven (767) cases of occupational illness were reported to MSHA. All employees include workers of the coal, metal, nonmetal, stone, sand and gravel operations, and coal and metal/nonmetal independent contractors.