According to local newspaper the Deseret News, Utah Office of Coal Mine Safety director Garth Nielsen confirmed that West Ridge has returned to full production.
The mine’s bumps, which occurred on January 24, January 26 and January 31, each forced a temporary idling by order of the US Mine Safety and Health Administration.
The final incident caused rib and lung injuries to a worker and resulted in an extended closure by the agency.
Murray Energy, owner of West Ridge controlling company UtahAmerican Energy, also appealed the final idling with a federal administrative judge because MSHA required an updated roof control plan before mining could start again.
Murray Energy vice president of business development and external affairs Robert Murray and MSHA spokesperson Amy Louviere did not respond to an ILNrequest for comment by press time, so it is not clear if that appeal was heard or if other circumstances led West Ridge to begin producing once again.
However, the Deseret News said a hearing for the two in Denver to address the issues regarding the second of the three bounces is still scheduled for later this week.
MSHA has not applied any fines to UAE for the three bounces.
West Ridge, located in south-central Utah’s Book Cliffs, employs more than 200 workers. It is currently working under about 2000ft of overburden.
UAE’s Tower operation was idled indefinitely in April 2008 amid safety issues.
Its Crandall Canyon mine was closed shortly after six workers and three rescuers were killed there in August 2007.
