The U.S. Department of Labor has reported the completion of impact inspections at 14 mines across various states in November 2024, resulting in the issuance of 162 violations and one safeguard. These inspections were conducted by the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) due to the mines' histories of non-compliance, past accidents, injuries, illnesses, and other concerns.
Of the violations identified in November, 44 were classified as significant and substantial (S&S), with one deemed an unwarrantable failure. Since 2023, MSHA's impact inspections have uncovered a total of 5,127 violations across 330 mines.
Assistant Secretary for Mine Safety and Health Chris Williamson stated that these inspections revealed "hazards such as loose mine ribs, safety defects on mobile equipment and lack of safe access that put miners at unnecessary risk." He emphasized the importance of ensuring safe working conditions during winter months.
One specific site inspected was Ramaco Resources LLC’s No. 2 Gas Mine in Logan County, West Virginia. The mine had been previously cited for multiple violations before inspectors arrived on November 13. During this inspection, they issued 18 additional violations along with a safeguard notice.
Inspectors noted several hazardous conditions at Ramaco Resources’ mine including large loose mine ribs that posed risks to miners and deficiencies in the Proximity Detection System which could lead to fatal crushing injuries. MSHA continues to urge operators to install adequate rib bolts and conduct thorough equipment tests.
Another site inspected was Ruach Resources LLC’s surface construction sand and gravel mine in Burleigh County, North Dakota. Inspectors identified 28 safety violations during their visit on November 13. These included unsafe access steps on mobile equipment and other serious housekeeping issues throughout the site.
MSHA stresses the need for operators to ensure clean work environments and perform detailed examinations of equipment to prevent exposing miners to hazards.
