RALEIGH, N.C. — The North Carolina Department of Labor has discovered an illegal mining operation in Mitchell County, launching a formal investigation that could result in the site’s closure.

Discovery During Routine Safety Training

The unauthorized mining operation, run by Horizon 30, LLC in Poplar, North Carolina, was uncovered when a senior NCDOL official was conducting miner safety training at the site. The federal Mine Safety and Health Administration had requested the state provide safety training at the location.

During the visit, the experienced NCDOL official identified several irregularities and questioned whether the operation possessed the required state environmental permit. When Horizon 30, LLC could not produce the necessary documentation, the labor department immediately contacted the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality.

Inter-Agency Cooperation Leads to Legal Action

DEQ subsequently confirmed that the mining operation was unauthorized and violated state mining laws. Legal proceedings are now underway to shut down the operation as a result of the NCDOL official’s report and coordination between state agencies.

Commissioner Emphasizes Staff Vigilance

Labor Commissioner Luke Farley praised his department’s field staff for their diligence in identifying the illegal operation.

“This is exactly why I’ve made it a priority to support and empower our field staff,” Farley said. “Their experience, judgment, and vigilance are critical to keeping workers safe and enforcing the law. If our staff hadn’t gone above and beyond their duty to protect workers, this illegal operation could have continued unnoticed — putting lives at risk and undermining public trust in our regulatory system.”

Farley added that the quick action by his team ensured the site was exposed and will be held accountable.

Commitment to Worker Safety Standards

The incident highlights the North Carolina Department of Labor’s role in maintaining workplace safety standards across the state’s mining and quarry operations. Under Commissioner Farley’s leadership, NCDOL continues to position itself as a trusted partner in worker protection throughout North Carolina.

The investigation into Horizon 30, LLC’s unauthorized mining operation remains ongoing.