DOL cites mines in 11 states after impact inspections

The U.S. Department of Labor said Tuesday it has issued widespread citations following impact inspections at 14 mines in 11 states.

The DOL’s Mine Safety and Health Administration found 199 violations during the inspections, which took place in March.

The agency, which began conducting impact inspections after an April 2010 explosion that killed 29 miners in West Virginia, said mines were found in Alabama, Colorado, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Utah, Virginia and West Virginia.

“The results of the March impact inspections revealed several serious violations, including putting miners at risk from fire and explosion hazards and interfering with miners’ ability to escape emergencies,” said Chris Williamson, Assistant Secretary for Mine Safety and health, in a statement.

The agency said the mines it inspected had poor compliance histories, previous accidents, injuries and illnesses.

Of the 199 violations identified, 74 were assessed as ‘significant and substantial’.

The agency said it has identified 3,333 violations through mine impact inspections since 2023.