W.Va. Mines Improving Underground Communication
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Posted: 11:37 PM Mar 20, 2010
W.Va. Mines Improving Underground Communication
A U.S. regulatory count has found that 16 percent of West Virginia's underground coal mines have added improved communications and tracking devices four years after the Sago mine disaster.
Reporter: The Associated Press
Email Address: news@wsaz.com
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CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) -- A U.S. regulatory count has found that 16 percent of West Virginia's underground coal mines have added improved communications and tracking devices four years after the Sago mine disaster.

The report released by the U.S. Mine Safety and Health relates to equipment that could help miners escape an explosion or fire. The improved communications devices and tracking gear were required by Congress after Sago and other mining accidents in 2006.

Nationwide, 415 active underground mines are required to have the equipment. But according to the Mine Safety count, only 34 have such equipment installed and fully operational.

In West Virginia, 121 mines do not have the advanced communications and tracking. Twenty-three mines have complied.


Latest Comments

Posted by: Wife of Coal miner on Mar 21, 2010 at 03:24 PM

I'm happy that my husband's employer has already installed a tracking device underground and that it is operational.Hopefully these devices help save lifes!
Posted by: Angie on Mar 21, 2010 at 11:22 AM

Here is an idea! Give the mines 30 days to comply or shut them down until they do. Our miners deserve to have their working conditions as safe as possible. It should be common sense, DUH!!!!!
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