DRENNEN, WV (LOOTPRESS) – UPDATE 11/12/25 6:19 PM: Rescue efforts at the Rolling Thunder Mine in Nicholas County are “steadily progressing” as crews work to lower the water levels inside the mine, according to Governor Morrisey.
Although the levels are not yet low enough for entry, conditions are gradually improving.
On-site teams are closely monitoring the situation and ensuring stability as pumping operations continue without any reported issues. An additional pump was brought online this afternoon to help speed up the de-watering process.
Local, state, and federal agencies remain in constant communication with company safety officials, maintaining strong coordination to ensure the mission proceeds safely and efficiently.
Governor Patrick Morrisey continues to receive regular updates and is asking all West Virginians to keep the missing miner, his family, and every member of the rescue team in their thoughts and prayers.
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UPDATE 11/12/25 12:22 PM: Governor Patrick Morrisey has provided an update on the missing miner search in Nicholas County.
Taking questions from reporters in Charleston on Monday afternoon, Morrisey said the biggest goal right now is to continue de-watering the mine.
He says that the pumping rate continues at about 6,000 gallons per minute which is draining the water level at about an inch per hour.
Morrisey says rescue crews hope to drain enough water as quickly as possible so they can go in and further their search.
“Everyone is working incredibly hard on this rescue mission,” Morrisey said.
Morrisey says this remains a rescue mission and that they hope to find the miner alive.
More updates should be coming later today, according to the governor.
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UPDATE 11/11/25 8:20 PM: As of Tuesday night, rescue efforts continue.
Morrisey and state officials said the trapped mine worker, who has about 20 years of experience, is believed to be located roughly 3,600 feet underground.
Authorities reported that the worker became trapped after crews struck an unexpected pocket of water that quickly flooded the area.
The governor’s office said rescue teams have been working around the clock, coordinating efforts to ensure the operation remains safe and effective.
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UPDATE 11/11/25 11:23 AM: Rescue efforts are progressing at the Rolling Thunder Mine in Nicholas County as crews work to reach a missing miner as of late Tuesday morning.
According to Governor Patrick Morrisey, water is now being pumped out of the mine at a rate of about 6,000 gallons per minute, a notable increase made possible by additional pumps.
“Rescue operations continue at the Rolling Thunder Mine in Nicholas County, where crews are now pumping water at a rate of approximately 6,000 gallons per minute – a significant increase from earlier efforts as additional pumps became available,” the governor’s statement said.
He noted that lowering the water level is “another step forward in the ongoing effort to reach the missing miner.”
Rescue crews are also moving forward with drilling operations and are preparing for more heavy equipment to arrive on site.
Local, state, and federal agencies are continuing to coordinate with company safety personnel as the around-the-clock operation continues.
Governor Morrisey said he is receiving regular updates.
“Governor Morrisey continues to receive regular updates and asks all West Virginians to keep the missing miner, his family, and every member of the rescue team in their thoughts and prayers.”
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UPDATE 11/10/25 7:01 PM: Rescue crews are continuing around-the-clock efforts to reach a missing miner at the Rolling Thunder Mine in Nicholas County, according to information released by Governor Patrick Morrisey’s office.
“Rescue operations continue around the clock at the Rolling Thunder Mine in Nicholas County as crews work to reach the missing miner,” the Governor stated.
Pumping efforts began on Saturday and have already removed several million gallons of water from the mine. Officials say about 2.7 million gallons still need to be pumped out before rescue teams can safely enter. Once the mine reaches a safe level, pumping will continue further to reduce the water depth enough to allow expanded underground access for rescue crews.
“As pumping operations continue, Alpha is partnering with outside companies to drill from the surface to create additional access points where a capsule drill could be utilized as a means of rescue,” the Governor’s update explained. “While estimates from setup and completion vary for each method, using both approaches together offers the clearest path to success.”
Local, state, and federal agencies are working together, including the West Virginia Office of Miners’ Health, Safety, and Training, the Mine Safety and Health Administration, the Emergency Management Division, and the Department of Environmental Protection. Company safety personnel and local first responders are also on-site.
“All agencies continue to focus on safely reducing water levels and preparing for renewed underground exploration,” the statement said.
The missing worker is a mine foreman. Officials have not released his name.
The Governor encouraged the public to offer support during the ongoing operation. He said the efforts should remain “in the prayers” of West Virginians, along with the miner’s family and the rescuers working to bring him home.
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UPDATE 11/10/25 12:39 PM: In a press conference Monday afternoon, Governor Patrick Morrisey stated that the search is still ongoing for the missing miner.
Dive teams are currently in the mine and continue to search around the clock while crews also pump water out of the mine.
The miner’s name has not been released at this time.
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UPDATE 11/9/25 7:50 PM: Local, state, and federal agencies are working around the clock with Alpha Metallurgical Resources, Inc., to locate the missing miner at the Nicholas County Rolling Thunder Mine.
Since the initial event, numerous organizations have joined the rescue effort, including the West Virginia Office of Miners’ Health, Safety, and Training (OMHST), the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA), the West Virginia Emergency Management Division (EMD), the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), the West Virginia State Police, and local emergency responders, along with specialized dive and drilling teams.
Dive teams have entered the mine twice during the search. “The first team explored several sections earlier in the day, while the second team surveyed additional areas until conditions required their return,” Governor Patrick Morrisey said.
Crews continue focusing on lowering water levels and improving air quality to make deeper exploration possible.
“All responding agencies remain fully engaged and in constant coordination, and the safety of all personnel remains the highest priority,” the governor added.
Drilling is ongoing, and additional equipment is being mobilized as Governor Patrick Morrisey “continues working to secure every available resource that can aid in the rescue of the missing miner.” He also asked “all West Virginians to keep the miner, his family, and every member of the rescue team in their prayers.”
As the operation enters a second night, officials say they “remain fully committed to this mission.”
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UPDATE 11/9/25 11:33 AM: The Nicholas County Commission has released the following update on the situation:
“The Nicholas County Commission sends our heartfelt prayers to the families and friends of everyone involved in the incident at the Rolling Thunder Deep Mine. We share in your concern and stand united with our community during this difficult time.
We extend our sincere appreciation to everyone who has reached out with prayers, love, concern, and offers of assistance following the flooding at the Rolling Thunder Deep Mine. At this time, mine rescue teams and emergency personnel are working diligently in ongoing rescue efforts.
Access to the site is restricted to MSHA officials and authorized rescue crews. All responding agencies have confirmed that no additional supplies or assistance are needed at this time. We deeply value the outpouring of community support and ask that everyone allow the professionals on scene to focus on their mission without interruption.
If specific needs arise, we will promptly share verified information regarding how and where help may be directed. Until then, we respectfully ask the public to keep the crews, the affected family, and all involved in your continued thoughts and prayers.”
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UPDATE 11/9/25 8:34 AM: Nicholas County Commissioner Garrett Cole provided an update Sunday morning, saying emergency services and mine rescue teams are continuing to pump water out of the Rolling Thunder Mine in efforts to reach the missing miner. All other miners remain accounted for.
“Saturday Nov 08th around 1:30pm it was reported to Nicholas County Homeland Securty and Emergency Management that mine crews had struck an unknown pocket of water that allowed water to quickly rush into the section miners were working,” Cole said.
Representatives believe the missing miner is located approximately three-quarters of a mile into the mine. However, officials have not yet clarified how much water remains underground or how long it may take to pump enough out to reach that area.
Cole said pumping began Saturday night at 9:30 p.m. after mine rescue crews finished drilling and preparing routes to remove water from the mine “in order to best help the remaining miner.”
“Nicholas County Homeland Security is on standby with underwater drone technology once it is confirmed the remaining water ‘distance’ is within range of the underwater drone’s capability which can help locate the miner and establish communication,” Cole added.
In a heartfelt message, Cole urged the community to continue offering prayers:
“Pray like this man is your own family, brother, or cousin. Because he is to his own family. Continue to raise your prayers toward Heaven that God is with this miner and those working to get to him to get him back to the surface safely!”
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UPDATE 11/9/25 8:28 AM: West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey has released the following statement on the incident.
“We are aware of an incident at the Rolling Thunder Mine in Nicholas County in which a section of the mine operation flooded after an old mine wall was compromised. State and company safety personnel are currently on site assessing and responding to the situation.
The West Virginia Office of Miners’ Health, Safety, and Training is coordinating with mine safety officials, the West Virginia Emergency Management Division, the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection, the West Virginia State Police, the federal Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA), and local emergency responders.
The West Virginia Emergency Management Division has also coordinated with the National Cave and Rescue Commission to assist in the assessment and any necessary rescue effort.
This remains an active situation, and additional information will be released as it becomes available.”
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ORIGINAL STORY: A miner is unaccounted for after a flood inside the Rolling Thunder Mine near the town of Drennen, close to the Nicholas and Clay County line, West Virginia State Police confirmed to LOOTPRESS.
According to state police, the incident occurred around 1:00 p.m. Saturday when water began flooding part of the mine.
All other miners working underground at the time have been safely accounted for.
Search and rescue teams remain on scene late Saturday evening as efforts continue to locate the missing miner.
No further details have been released at this time.
