May 5, 2026 - The West Virginia Coal Association is praising miners across the country after federal data showed U.S. mining operations reached a record-low injury rate in 2025, even as production increased.

According to the U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration, the total recordable injury rate fell to 1.74 incidents per 200,000 hours worked, down from 1.82 in 2024 and the lowest level ever recorded for the nation’s mining sector. The data was released in late April.

The rate includes all nonfatal reportable injuries, such as those resulting in lost work time, restricted duties or medical treatment.

 

 

 

Chris Hamilton, president of the West Virginia Coal Association, credited miners and on-site leadership for the improvement, pointing to stronger safety practices across the industry.

“This record belongs to the miners,” Hamilton said. “Every shift foreman who ran a proper pre-shift examination, every miner who called out a hazard before it became an incident, every safety officer who held the line on procedure when shortcuts were tempting — this number is theirs.”

Federal officials attributed the decline to advancements in safety technology, improved training protocols and a stronger industry-wide focus on safety culture. The association said the trend reflects years of investment in training and modern equipment.

The milestone carries particular significance in West Virginia, where coal remains central to the state’s economy.

The U.S. Department of Labor also highlighted the record-setting figures, calling the injury rate a key benchmark for worker safety nationwide.

“These historic safety numbers demonstrate that the Trump administration’s efforts to revitalize America’s mining industry are being met with a parallel commitment to worker protection,” said Keith Sonderling, acting U.S. Secretary of Labor. 

According to the West Virginia Office of Miners’ Health, Safety and Training, the state produced more than 3.3 million tons of coal in the first quarter of 2026 and employs more than 6,600 workers across mining and related operations.

Coal production in West Virginia rose to about 86 million short tons in 2025, an 8% increase from the previous year, though output remains significantly below 2008 levels amid a long-term decline in coal-fired electricity generation.

The state accounts for roughly 16% of U.S. coal production and is the nation’s leading exporter of coal, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Nearly half of the coal mined in West Virginia is used domestically for electricity generation, while the remainder is shipped to international markets.

State safety data shows 136 nonfatal mining accidents so far in 2026, alongside two fatalities that have renewed focus on the risks miners continue to face.

Federal investigators said 53-year-old Aaron W. Warrix died April 2 at the Panther Eagle Mine in Raleigh County after being struck by falling rock while installing support timbers on a retreat mining section. The incident was classified as a “fall of roof or back” accident.

Less than 24 hours later, 36-year-old Darin Reece died April 3 at the Ohio County Mine in Marshall County during longwall setup operations. Investigators said a piece of equipment shifted and pinned him beneath a longwall shield in what was classified as a powered haulage accident.

Both investigations remain ongoing.

Despite the historic low in injury rates, fatalities across the broader mining industry increased nationwide. There were about 33 mining deaths in 2025, up from 26 the previous year, with coal mining accounting for eight of those fatalities. Powered haulage equipment was the leading cause, responsible for 13 deaths.

Hamilton said the industry must balance recognition of progress with acknowledgment of continued risks.

“We celebrate the record, and we grieve the losses — at the same time,” he said. “Eight families lost a coal miner in 2025. That is eight too many.”