February 2, 2006
West Virginia Governor Urges Mining Moratorium
By IAN URBINA

Just weeks after the death of 14 West Virginia miners, two more mine workers were killed yesterday in separate accidents, prompting Gov. Joe Manchin III to urge all coal companies in the state to cease operations until safety could be reviewed.

"Today has once again been a difficult day for our state's miners, their families and our mining industry," Mr. Manchin said, confirming that there were accidents at three coal mines, two underground mines and one surface mine that resulted in two deaths. "I am calling on the industry to cease production activities immediately and go into a mine safety stand down."

Hours later, the nation's top mine safety regulator, David G. Dye, quickly followed suit, asking for all mines nationally to take an hour next Monday to review their safety procedures.

"This Monday, we urge that extra time be taken, at the beginning of each shift and before the start of any mining activity, to go over the hazards involved with mining and the vital safeguards that need to be taken," Mr. Dye said.

Both of the accidents yesterday occurred shortly after 2:30 p.m., said state officials who would not release the names of the dead.

One miner was killed at an underground mine when a wall support broke loose at Long Branch Energy 18 Tunnel Mine near Danville, in Boone County, said Dirk Fillpot, a spokesman for the federal Mine Safety and Health Administration.

The second death occurred at the Elk Run Black Castle Surface Mine in Drawdy, a mine also in Boone County and owned by Massey Energy. The miner was killed after he sparked a fire while driving a bulldozer that hit a gas line, state and federal officials said.

Lara Ramsburg, a spokeswoman for Governor Manchin, said all mines in the state had been asked to halt production long enough for each shift of workers to leave the mine and to inspect all of their equipment.

The governor said the Mine Health and Safety Administration had agreed to his request for additional safety resources.

"Each mine in the state is currently scheduled to be inspected every three months," he said. "We will immediately begin the process of inspecting every mine in the state and their equipment, conditions, engineering plans, safety procedures and safe work practices."

Mr. Manchin, a Democrat, said he was filing emergency rules last night to hasten putting into effect mine safety measures passed last week by the state's Legislature. The legislation requires miners to wear wireless devices so they can be found more quickly.

Bill Raney, president of the West Virginia Coal Association, joined the governor in his call for a statewide shutdown.

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