Gray v. Badger Mining Corp.

Gray (plaintiff) worked for decades at Smith Foundry, which used sand from Badger Mining (defendant) among other suppliers to create metal casting molds; when the sand-encased castings were knocked apart, the sand pulverized into fine silica dust that Gray repeatedly inhaled, allegedly causing silicosis. Gray sued for negligence, strict liability failure to warn, and breach of warranty, presenting evidence Badger Mining knew of the special hazards of foundry sand use; the trial court denied Badger Mining summary judgment, but the appellate court reversed, holding Badger Mining had no duty to warn because Smith Foundry was a "sophisticated purchaser" and Badger Mining merely a "bulk supplier."