Federal probe into death at Hazleton area mining operation continues

STOCKTON – Federal authorities are continuing their investigation into the death of a man at a mining operation near Hazleton, the second in the Anthracite fields this year.

Brian Brotzman, 44, was killed on July 25 when he was shoveling material off a conveyor belt when the belt “unexpectedly rolled backward,” the federal Mine Safety and Health Administration said in their preliminary report.

This occurred at Atlantic Carbon’s Hazleton Shaft facility in Stockton in a coal processing plant.

A timetable for when the investigation will wrap up has not been determined.

Just under a month before the death, Atlantic Carbon was acquired by an overseas company.

On July 1, PT Delta Dunia Makmur Tbk, known as Delta Dunia Group, purchased Atlantic Carbon for $122.4 Million. Delta Dunia is based in Indonesia.

“The long lifespan of ACG’s four active mines, sufficient to support over 25 years of mining and capable of supporting the production of up to 25 million tons of LC Steel annually, coupled with market strong market demand for UHG anthracite, positions us well for sustained future growth,” Ronald Sutardja, President Director of Delta Dunia, said in a media release.

Brotzman’s death was the second in the Anthracite coalfields in 2024.

In January, David Moyer, 63, was killed when a large dump truck he was operating rolled over in Mahanoy Township, near Yatesville.

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