U.S. Department of Labor reports fatality at Morenci mine

The U.S. Department of Labor has reported a fatality at the Freeport-McMoRan Morenci Inc. mine in Morenci, Arizona.

The incident, which took place at approximately 9:09 a.m., Monday, was classified as a “powered haulage” accident.

Freeport-McMoRan confirmed via email that one of its employees was fatally injured from a haul truck accident.

“Our thoughts and condolences are with the employee’s family, friends and coworkers during this difficult time,” the email said.

Freeport said in the email statement that local authorities responded to the incident, and that the Mine Safety and Health Administration and Arizona State Mine Inspector have been on site.

The incident is under investigation, the statement said.

According to the Mine Safety and Health Administration, power haulage accidents accounted for 13 of the nation’s 33 mining fatalities in 2025 and 426 of the 4,792 nonfatal injuries.

Such incidents involve shuttle cars, locomotives, front-end loaders and other forms of equipment.