On June 13 a miner was electrocuted while changing fuses at Mountain Spring Coal Company’s Mine No. 1.

The report found the coal company had modified the mine's power substation without the state agency's approval, causing an unsafe working environment, AP reported.

Investigators also found the mine electrician and superintendent allowed the victim to work in an unsafe situation. The two miners will not be allowed to hold their positions in the state for at least a year.

In a separate incident, investigators reported that a fire at Consol Energy's Mine 84 which burnt and smouldered for several weeks was most likely caused by frictional heat generated by an improperly maintained coal belt.

AP said the fire started in a tunnel used to move miners and machinery along a two-mile block of coal. More than 80 miners were alerted to the fire by carbon monoxide sensors and escaped without injury.

The report found that the faulty belt should have been spotted by mine officials. Consol were ordered not to reopen the mine until its firefighting and inspection techniques had improved.

According to AP a Consol spokesperson said the company disputed the report but declined further comment, citing a possible appeal.