A FEDERAL judge ruled Thursday that officials from the United Mine Workers union could accompany state and federal investigators while they gather evidence underground at the Sago mine.

The investigation into the January disaster had been held up after mine owner, International Coal Group, blocked union representatives from entering the nonunion mine Wednesday. The UMW is representing the interests of two of the mine’s 97 employees.

US District Judge Robert E. Maxwell issued a temporary injunction on Thursday at the request of the federal Mine Safety and Health Administration, forcing ICG to allow the union representatives to enter the mine.

Maxwell said the public interest was best served by a complete and thorough investigation into the occurrence of the Sago mine disaster in which 12 miners died, Associated Press reported. The judge said the UMW had decades of expertise in mine disasters to offer.

ICG said it would appeal the Court's ruling. “However, we will of course comply with the Court's order, and continue working closely with state and federal officials in moving the investigation forward expeditiously,” the company said.

After the hearing a union official denied the intent was to boost membership, saying the goal in being involved was to find out what the cause was, how to prevent it in the future, Associated Press reported.