2 West Virginia Mines Risk Becoming Pattern Violators

Two West Virginia coal mines have been warned they could be labeled pattern violators for failing to report accidents.

The Mine Safety and Health Administration cited Inman Energy’s Randolph Mine and Independence Coal Co.’s Justice No. 1 Mine. Both Boone County operations were owned by Massey Energy and now belong to Virginia-based Alpha Natural Resources.

MSHA says neither got a potential pattern violator notice during a screening round in November, but both were since audited.

An administrative law judge ordered Alpha to supply records for five mines, including Randolph and Justice.

The audit showed both had failed to report or inaccurately reported 24 injuries.

MSHA also says it’s fining Peabody Energy $4,000 a day for failing to provide information about its Air Quality No. 1 Mine in Knox County, Ind.