The funds, cut from the state’s strained budget during the 2010 session that ended just a month ago, will enhance the safety component of the Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy.

The money will allow the agency to increase its safety enforcement in the energy industry, including mine safety inspections and technical services to improve worker safety, particularly in coal mining.

"The coal mine explosion in Montcoal, West Virginia, [last week] is a tragic reminder that it is absolutely critical we do everything possible to ensure the safety of the men and women who work in Virginia's energy industries,” McDonnell said.

“This additional funding will provide equipment to support mine safety inspections and fill critically important mine safety inspector and specialist positions – including special safety services to small mines inspections across the coalfields.

“This area has been of concern to me since we received the General Assembly's budget and recent events highlight the importance of taking the necessary steps to ensure our mines are safe for the Virginians who work in them every day."

About 5000 miners work at the state’s coal operations, which are primarily located in rural southwest Virginia.

According to the National Mining Association, Virginia was the 13th-highest producing US state with 24.7 million tons in 2008.