Stillwater County, MT – Tragic Workplace Incident at Sibanye-Stillwater Mine Claims the Life of Brian Hanson

Stillwater County, MT – Tragic Workplace Incident at Sibanye-Stillwater Mine Claims the Life of Brian Hanson

STILLWATER COUNTY, MT — Authorities have confirmed the tragic death of Brian Hanson, 50, a long-time employee of the Sibanye-Stillwater Mine, following a workplace incident that occurred over the weekend. Hanson, a resident of Laurel, Montana, was fatally injured while working at the mine, located in Stillwater County, an area known for its rich mining history and operations. His death marks a devastating loss for the local community, the mining industry, and his grieving family and colleagues.

According to officials from the Stillwater County Sheriff’s Office and the Montana Department of Labor and Industry, the accident took place on Saturday, July 26, 2025, at the Sibanye-Stillwater Mine, which primarily focuses on extracting precious metals such as platinum and palladium. Details surrounding the specific circumstances of the incident remain under investigation, but early reports suggest that Hanson was involved in routine work at the site when the tragic accident occurred.

The Montana Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has also been called in to conduct a thorough investigation to determine the exact cause of the incident, and to ensure compliance with safety regulations. The incident has left the mining community in mourning, with friends, family, and colleagues remembering Hanson as a dedicated, hard-working individual who was committed to his job and the well-being of others.

Brian Hanson: A Life of Dedication and Service

Brian Hanson was a 50-year-old resident of Laurel, Montana, where he had lived for most of his life. Hanson was a skilled worker with decades of experience in the mining industry. Over the years, he had earned a reputation for his reliability, knowledge, and commitment to safety. Colleagues describe him as someone who was always willing to lend a hand, share his expertise, and help others, no matter the circumstances.

“Brian was an excellent worker, and he had such a strong work ethic. He always gave 110%, whether it was on the job or just helping out his co-workers,” said Jake Dawson, a fellow employee at the Sibanye-Stillwater Mine. “He was the kind of guy who could always be relied upon in tough situations. His death has hit all of us hard. He was not just a colleague; he was a friend.”

Hanson had worked at the Sibanye-Stillwater Mine for over 15 years, starting as an entry-level worker and eventually rising to a more senior role. His dedication to his craft, along with his ability to adapt to new technologies and mining techniques, made him a valued member of the team. Despite the often hazardous nature of the mining profession, Hanson took great pride in ensuring that safety protocols were followed, and he was known for his unwavering commitment to the health and well-being of those around him.

“I’ve worked with Brian for almost a decade,” said Robert Miller, a supervisor at the mine. “He was a mentor to many of the younger workers, always looking out for their safety. Brian’s level-headedness in critical moments made him a rock for this operation. Losing him is a huge blow to all of us.”

In addition to his role at the mine, Hanson was a loving husband and father, deeply involved in his family’s lives. He was married to his high school sweetheart, Jennifer Hanson, and together they had two children, a son and a daughter. The family is devastated by his sudden passing and is finding comfort in the outpouring of support from friends, family, and the community.

“Brian was my best friend, my partner in everything,” said Jennifer Hanson, his wife of 28 years. “He worked so hard for our family, and he always made sure we had what we needed. I can’t believe he’s gone. We were planning our retirement years together, and now everything feels so empty.”

His children, too, are struggling to come to terms with their father’s untimely passing. Anna Hanson, his 22-year-old daughter, shared how her father was a constant presence in her life, offering guidance and support as she navigated the challenges of young adulthood.

“Dad was always there for me, whether it was helping me with schoolwork, giving me advice, or just making me laugh,” Anna said. “He had this incredible way of making everything seem okay, even when things were tough. It feels like a dream that I won’t wake up from. I just want to hear his voice again.”

The Workplace Incident: A Tragic Turn of Events

The accident occurred on Saturday morning, July 26, at approximately 8:00 AM, while Brian Hanson was working at the Sibanye-Stillwater Mine—a site that is one of the largest producers of platinum-group metals in the United States. The mine, which operates both underground and on the surface, involves a highly specialized workforce, where safety is a top priority given the nature of the work.

Though specific details surrounding the accident are still under investigation, officials report that Hanson was involved in routine maintenance work at the time of the incident. He was working near machinery when, for reasons that are still unclear, a mechanical failure or equipment malfunction occurred. The exact cause of the accident has not been determined, but it is believed that the malfunction led to an unfortunate and tragic chain of events.

Katherine Johnson, spokesperson for the Sibanye-Stillwater Mining Group, expressed the company’s deep sorrow over the incident, stating, “We are deeply saddened by the loss of one of our team members, Brian Hanson. He was a valued employee who contributed immensely to our operations, and our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this incredibly difficult time.”

Hanson was quickly transported to a local hospital, where medical staff attempted to treat his injuries. Despite their best efforts, he was later pronounced dead. The Montana Department of Labor and Industry is working closely with the Sibanye-Stillwater Mine to investigate the cause of the incident and determine whether any safety regulations were violated.

“We are working diligently to determine the factors that led to this incident and will take appropriate steps to ensure this doesn’t happen again,” said Frank Wallace, a representative for the Montana Department of Labor and Industry. “Our goal is to provide closure for Brian’s family, as well as ensure that all safety protocols are thoroughly examined to protect workers in the future.”

The Mining Community’s Reaction: Support and Solidarity

The mining community, particularly those employed at Sibanye-Stillwater Mine, has expressed an outpouring of grief and solidarity following the loss of Brian Hanson. Several colleagues have shared fond memories of Hanson, describing him as a pillar of the team and someone who could always be counted on to help, no matter the challenge.

A candlelight vigil in honor of Brian Hanson was organized by his colleagues and local community members on Sunday evening, where people gathered to remember him, share stories, and offer support to his family. The vigil served as a powerful reminder of the close-knit nature of the mining community, where colleagues often form deep friendships forged through years of working together in difficult conditions.

“We lost a good one,” said Mark Thompson, a long-time friend and co-worker of Brian’s. “Brian was one of those people who made you feel like you could do anything. He was always there with a word of encouragement. It’s hard to imagine the mine without him.”

In response to the tragedy, the Sibanye-Stillwater Mining Group has pledged to review its safety measures and reinforce its commitment to worker safety. Company officials announced that they would be conducting a comprehensive review of all safety protocols and equipment to ensure that such an incident does not occur again.

“We will be taking every necessary step to ensure the safety and well-being of our employees,” said Katherine Johnson. “This loss is felt deeply by all of us, and we are committed to doing everything we can to support Brian’s family and prevent future tragedies.”

A Legacy of Hard Work and Dedication

As the investigation into Brian Hanson’s death continues, his family, friends, and colleagues are finding ways to honor his legacy. His contributions to the mining industry, his dedication to his family, and his unwavering support for his community will not be forgotten.

In the wake of his passing, Jennifer Hanson shared how she and her children plan to remember Brian. “We will keep his memory alive by staying strong, just like he would have wanted us to,” she said. “He worked hard every day for our future, and we’ll carry on that spirit. We will never forget him.”

A memorial fund is being established in Brian Hanson’s name to assist his family during this difficult time and to support workplace safety initiatives in his honor. More information on the fund and memorial services will be made available through his family and local community channels.

As the Stillwater County community mourns the loss of one of its own, Brian Hanson’s memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew him, and the industry will continue to work towards ensuring that the tragic accident that claimed his life serves as a catalyst for safety reforms and greater protections for workers everywhere.