The term "mine disaster" historically has been applied to mine
accidents claiming five or more lives. Mine disasters, in this sense, once were
appallingly common. For instance, the single year of 1907 saw 18 coal mine
disasters, plus two more disasters in the metal and nonmetal mining industry. Among the disasters in 1907 was history's worst — the Monongah coal mine
explosion, which claimed 362 lives and impelled Congress to create the Bureau
of Mines.
Mine accidents have declined dramatically in number and severity through
decades of research, technology, and preventive programs. Today, mine accidents
resulting in five or more deaths are no longer common. However, preventing
recurrence of disasters like those of the past remains a top priority requiring
constant vigilance by management, labor, and government. See more about all mine disasters.
Statistical Summary
Documented mine disasters where 5 or more deaths occurred
Year with the most coal employees: 1923 (862,536) Source
Year with the most metal/nonmetal employees: 1979 (308,085) Source
The most rescuers killed in a single incident (59): Hanna No. 1 Mine following the mine explosion on March 28, 1908 in Hanna, Wyoming. See more.
Between April 1905 and February 1909, disasters at the Zeigler Coal Company mine in Illinois were responsible for the deaths of 65 rescuers/firefighters.
The most mournful period on the calendar on this site is the 13 consecutive days from April 20th to May 2nd which reveals 17 mine disasters that killed 1,019 miners.
Two mine disasters have occurred on Christmas Eve:
The U. S. Bureau of Mines was established on May 16, 1910. During the three years leading up to its start (1907 to 1909), there were 50 coal mine
disasters in which 5 or more miners were killed. Total killed - 1,779
to locate mine disasters by mine name.
View the Mine Disaster Historical Markers we've located.
Historical Data on 
