Metallurgical coal producer Coronado Global Resources halted production at the Buchanan underground complex in Virginia, US, on Friday evening, after a 27-year-old miner lost his life when a loose rock fell about 2 m from the mine roof.
The Virginia Energy Department, currently investigating the incident, reported that the victim was working as the evening shift roof bolter. Roof bolters play a crucial role in ensuring mine safety by securing the roof where coal has been extracted.
The roof fall happened just as the evening crew arrived at the active section to begin their shift.
Coronado, which is listed on the ASX, said on Monday that it was fully cooperating with US federal and state agencies in the ongoing investigation. The company expressed condolences and assured that it was collaborating with authorities.
The Buchanan complex is expected to resume operations later on Monday.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the victim’s family and the entire coal mining community,” said Virginia Energy Department director Glenn Davis. “Virginia coal miners and their safety remain a priority for this agency.”
The incident marks the first coal mining fatality in Virginia since May 2015. In 2023, the state’s coal mining industry employed more than 2 000 miners.