ELKO (AP) - Statistics from the U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration show Nevada had two mining fatalities in 2010, one more than the previous year.
The Elko Daily Free Press reported that 47-year-old Daniel Noel and 38-year-old Ethan Schorr of Spring Creek died in August while working in the ventilation shaft at the underground Meikle Mine.
The mine was run by Barrick Gold Corp.
MSHA hasn't released the final report on the accident at Meikle, but Barrick reported the men were inspecting a large pipe when it fell into the shaft, hitting the cage carrying the two workers.
MSHA figures show Nevada's mine deaths have ranged from zero to nine since 1999.
