US Mine Safety and Health Administration spokesperson Amy Louviere told ILN Monday that the 103(k) order typically issued after serious accidents and deaths was still in place. She did not indicate how much longer work at the mine would be suspended.
“It [the order] was modified to allow examinations,” she said, noting that other work such as pump checking is also being performed.
“[There has been] no production or work on either section. We have two inspectors at the mine today looking at both sections and evaluating rib/roof conditions.”
State Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy spokesperson Michael Abbott told ILN Monday afternoon that the department had completed interviews with workers who might have had relevant information for the investigation.
“DMME Division of Mines also completed their investigation of the accident scene and spot inspections of the mine on Friday,” he added, noting that it has teamed with MSHA on its evaluation of the incident.
Repairman Wayne Parrott, 58, was working at Big Laurel in Wise County as part of the mine’s third shift staff of 19 last Thursday morning when rock and coal from the rib of the mine’s No. 4 entry fell on him.
Louviere noted last week just after the event that the roll occurred close to the 002 belt, where new line was being placed, about 12,000 feet inby.
Big Laurel No. 2 commenced operations in November 2003 and is operated by Cumberland Resources.
