MSHA orders 6 Kentucky mines to close

The federal Mine Safety and Health Administration has forced six Kentucky coal mines to close as the result of an "inspection blitz" that followed the Upper Big Branch mine explosion of April 5, according to an Associated Press report.

Surprise inspections were conducted at troubled mines across the country during the five days from April 19 to April 23. Nationwide, inspectors issued 1,339 citations. The six Kentucky mines were cited for 238 total violations.

According to the report, the inspections focused on mines with high numbers of violations in the past and on rules covering methane, ventilation and efforts to control coal dust. Two of the Kentucky mines have addressed the violations and resumed production. However, the Secretary of Labor has sued these two companies and three officials of related companies for allegedly interfering with inspectors by tipping off workers that they'd arrived.

To read the full Associated Press article, click here.

Also visit our blog post for more links to articles about the recent mine disasters in West Virginia and Kentucky.