Overall mining fatalities in the United States fell to a new low in the recorded history of mining as 53 miners lost their lives in accidents on the job during 2004.

That record low total compares with 56 fatalities nationwide in 2003, the previous record low. There were 67 fatalities in 2002 and 72 on-the-job deaths in 2001.

Coal mining fatalities in 2004 were comparable to 2002 figures where 27 miners were killed.

Of the 53 mining fatalities reported, 37 of those victims were killed in accidents on the surface at mining operations, while 16 miners died in underground mining mishaps.

Seventeen workers were killed in accidents involving powered haulage - some type of moving vehicle at the mine site, which was the leading cause of fatal mining accidents in the U.S. during 2004.

Accidents involving machinery claimed the lives of 10 miners.

Roof fall accidents in underground mines, a long-time safety nemesis for coal miners, killed three miners last year compared with two during 2003.

“Though we are pleased to see the number of accidental mining fatalities decrease for the fourth consecutive year, at MSHA we remain committed to helping rid the mining industry of the workplace hazards that continue to threaten the lives and well-being of working miners every day,” MSHA assistant secretary David Dye said.