Inspectors cite dozens of mines across US

Associated Press

CHARLESTON, W.Va.

Federal inspectors issued nearly 600 citations for safety violations found at 30 problem mining operations across the country in September, the Mine Safety and Health Administration said Tuesday.

The violations turned up during an inspection blitz begun after the deaths of 29 miners at Massey Energy Co.’s Upper Big Branch mine in West Virginia on April 5. Four other Massey mines were among 30 around the country that MSHA selected for extra inspections in September.

Inspectors found the violations during inspections targeting 30 troubled mining operations in 17 states stretching from Connecticut to California and Florida to Idaho.

“We are beginning to see signs of improvement at some mines, an indication that these impact inspections are making a difference,” MSHA director Joe Main said. “Some continue to violate standards and place miners at risk.”

Among those are Massey, Main said. “While some operators are finally getting the message, others are not.”

A Sept. 28 inspection uncovered serious safety violations at Richmond, Va.-based Massey’s Seng Creek Powellton Mine, about 40 miles south of Charleston. Among other things, a foreman acknowledged skipping mandatory tests for explosive gases.

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