The Mine Safety & Health Administration (MSHA) reports that federal inspectors issued 146 citations, six orders and one safeguard during special impact inspections at 11 coal mines and five metal and nonmetal mines in September 2016.
In September, MSHA conducted impact inspections at mines in Alabama, Colorado, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia and Wisconsin.
During one particular inspection at Buzzi Unicem USA’s Maryneal Quarry and Mill in Nolan County, Texas, enforcement personnel issued 11 citations and four orders, including an imminent danger order requiring the operator to remove miners from dangerous unprotected roadways, MSHA reports. Mine inspectors also noted that the mine operator engaged in aggravated conduct constituting more than ordinary negligence, among other violations.
The monthly inspections, which began in April 2010, involve mines that merit increased agency attention and enforcement due to their poor compliance history or particular compliance concerns. Since the inspections began, MSHA has conducted 1,223 impact inspections and issued 16,841 citations, 1,324 orders and 61 safeguards.
