Mining Publication: Metal Operator Mining Facts - 2002

In 2002, a total of 256 metal mining operations reported employment to the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA). Metal mines were the smallest mining sector, comprising 1.8% of all mining operations. A total of 25,543 employees, corresponding to 25,938 full-time equivalent (FTE) employees, were reported by metal mine operators. This is a 15.4% decrease from the number of FTE metal mine employees reported in 2001. Four work-related fatalities occurred in metal mines in 2002, compared to nine in 2001. There were 640 nonfatal lost-time injuries among metal mine employees occurring at a rate of 8.4 per 100 FTE employees. These injuries resulted in 31,258 days lost from work. A total of 106 cases of occupational illness were reported to MSHA for metal mine employees.