Massey: regulators raised methane risk

Enviromine

THE US Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) contributed to the sequence of events that led to the deaths of 29 miners at the Upper Big Branch (UBB) coal mine in April, claimed owner Massey Energy.

The mining accident was the worst to take place in the US for
four decades.

Mine owner Massey said the regulators were aware of gas emission issues at the site well before the explosion.

A report from the MSHA in July 2004 discussed prior methane
outbursts at the West Virginia site, which occurred when cracks in the mine floor allowed gas to escape into the workings.

Massey said that, at that time, MSHA’s “primary recommendation
was for increased airflow to dilute the methane at the longwall face and in the gob behind the longwall”.

But, Massey claimed that, contrary to its initial recommendations, MSHA mandated changes in 2009 and 2010, which resulted in less air on the UBB longwall.

The company said it had now received “a number of questions”
regarding the discovery of a crack in the mine floor. However, teams investigating the site of the explosion have not been able to determine whether the crack was the source of a methane explosion.

Massey chief executive Don Blankenship said: “The July 15,
2004, report is very important.

MSHA recognised in 2004 that more airflow was necessary to address methane bursts, should they occur.

“However, in 2009 and 2010, MSHA required UBB to adopt a
ventilation system that resulted in less air. It is too early to determine what role these changes played or to determine the importance of the crack in the mine floor.”

The company has also  challenged an order by the MSHA that prohibits its investigators from utilising investigative tools as part of the inquiry into the accident.

The company said it has been forbidden to use basic tools such as cameras, electronic mapping and coal dust analysis, and is seeking emergency relief from the Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission to overturn MSHA’s order.

“It is troubling that MSHA would seek to limit the ability of investigators to locate and analyse important evidence that is essential in determining that cause of the Upper Big Branch mine accident,” said Shane Harvey, general counsel for Massey Energy.

He added: “MSHA’s actions imply that the agency does not want a thorough, objective and inclusive inquiry.”

Massey said MSHA’s order prohibits the company from taking its own photographs and coal dust samples and hinders its efforts to have experts evaluate the conditions underground.