Laurel Aggregates crews and the rescue team worked for hours to remove loose rock to reach the equipment and “move it under a solid, supported area of the roof to ultimately extricate the individual,” according to the statement. During the rescue, the miner was not responsive, and crews were unable to assess the person’s condition.
At 11:03 p.m., the individual was pulled out from the mine by the Smithfield Volunteer Fire Department and the mine rescue team. The miner was pronounced dead at the scene.
The collapse will be investigated by the department and the federal Mine Safety and Health Administration, which describes the material mined at the quarry as “crushed broken limestone.”
“D.E.P. will issue a preliminary action report with general findings and a final report with its full determination of the cause and potential corrective measures required of the mine operator to ensure that this type of situation does not happen again,” the agency said.
According to the Department of Environmental Protection, although mining in Pennsylvania peaked in the early 20th century, there are still more than 40 active underground coal mines in the state. There are at least 5,000 abandoned underground mines across the state.