ON 5/1/03 INJURED STATE HE WAS HELPING MECHANIC WELD/CUT ON MINER TAIL ON #2 UNIT WHEN A PIECE OF SLAG FELL IN HIS LEFT EAR. ON 5/6/03 INJ REPORTED THAT INCIDENT TO US. 5/7 INJURED WENT TO TO DR. RET'D TO WORK ON 5/7/03. GIVE MEDICATION & TOLD TO GO TO ANOTHER DR. ON 5/8/03 INJ WENT TO ANOTHER DR. SURGERY PLANNED BECAME REPORTABLE ON 5/6/03