Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection secretary Mike Krancer said Wednesday that it was able to meet that goal through increased oversight and industry practices as well as a “vigilant labor force” at the state’s mines.

“The mining industry is a vibrant and vital part of Pennsylvania's economy, and the safety of the workers is paramount,” Krancer said.

“We are proud to be the world's leader in mining safety, and we are particularly proud of Pennsylvania's contribution to that.”

Some 37 miners died in mining-related accidents at the nation’s mines in 2011, 21 in coal and 16 in metal/nonmetal. These figures are versus 48 and 23, respectively, in 2010. Both year-end totals were the second lowest for the industry since mining death statistics were first recorded in 1910.

Meanwhile, Pennsylvania has recorded more than 30 months without a single fatality at a coal or underground mining operation. Several large coal-producing states also had the success of zero fatalities last year, including Alabama, Illinois and Utah.

Kentucky had the highest number of miners killed in 2011. West Virginia recorded six fatalities and Ohio had three, and all but one of the deaths at the top three states occurred in coal mines.

Krancer pointed to legislation passed in the state in 2008 following the successful rescue of all nine miners trapped at the Quecreek mine in Somerset County that ultimately established the Board of Mine Safety in 2009.

The group, which includes state regulator representation and individuals from mining management and labor, has the authority to create new regulations parallel to changing technology and federal requirements.