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.

Statistical Summary

Number of Documented Mine Disasters(where 5 or more deaths occurred):

Historic Period

Coal Mine Disasters

Metal and Nonmetal Mine Disasters

Total Disasters

Through 1875

19

4

23

1876-1900

101

17

118

1901-1925

305

51

356

1926-1950

147

23

170

1951-1975

35

9

44

1976-present

16

1

17

Year with largest number of coal mine fatalities: 1907 (3,242)

Year with largest number of Metal/Nonmetal mine fatalities: 1917 (983)

Year with largest number of Coal mine disasters: 1909 (20 disasters)

Year with largest number of Metal/Nonmetal mine disasters: 1911 (8 disasters)

Year with largest number of mine disasters overall: 1910 (25 disasters: 19 Coal, 6 Metal/Nonmetal)

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