Miner Dies After Becoming Entangled in a Belt Conveyor
A North Carolina miner died on March 5, marking the ninth U.S. mining fatality of 2025.
- By Stasia DeMarco
- Mar 19, 2025
A miner died on March 5, 2025, after becoming entangled in a belt conveyor at a North Carolina mine, federal officials reported.
According to the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA), the worker was clearing strips of old belt rubber from a belt conveyor tail roller when the system unexpectedly started, trapping the miner between the fluted tail roller and the belt.
Officials emphasized the importance of safety measures to prevent similar incidents, urging mines to de-energize, lock out, and tag out equipment before maintenance, provide safe access for workers, and install proper guarding around moving conveyor parts. They also advised implementing clear maintenance procedures and ensuring miners receive thorough safety training.
The incident marks the ninth mining fatality reported in 2025 and the fourth classified under "Powered Haulage" accidents.
About the Author
Stasia DeMarco brings a strong and varied journalism background to her role at Occupational Health & Safety, having previously served as a multimedia editor, broadcast journalist, professor and reviewer across major news organizations. As Content Editor, she writes news and feature articles, hosts sponsor and editorial webinars, co-hosts the SafetyPod worker health and safety podcast, and manages the brand’s digital and social media presence. She is committed to informing and engaging the safety community through compelling reporting and conversations that support safer, healthier workplaces.