ARLINGTON, Va. -Preliminary data from the U.S. Department of Labor's Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) released today indicate that mine fatalities in 2009 fell to an all-time low for the second straight year. Coal mines recorded 18 mining deaths, and metal/nonmetal mines recorded 16 mining deaths, for a combined total of 34 mining deaths nationwide and a significant drop from last year's total of 53 deaths.

Only one death occured in Nevada.  On June 6, Steven L. Halverson, 57, a drill operator, was working at Newmont's Genesis Mine in Eureka County when he was struck and killed by a flatbed truck as it backed up. 

"No one should have to die for a job," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. "Our nation's miners, like all workers, deserve jobs that allow them to provide for themselves and their families. No job is truly good unless it is safe, and the U.S. Department of Labor is committed to ensuring safety is priority one in our nation's mines."