Massey Energy (NYSE:MEE) received 23 citations from federal mining inspectors since May 14 at the Upper Big Branch mine, where 29 miners were killed in April.
While many of them were related to electrical problems, three were labeled as "significant and substantial," although it wasn't clear as to whether they played any role in the explosions and deaths at the mine.
The citations were issued by the Mine Safety and Health Administration, which oversees the industry.
Those violations considered as more serious were related to what are called escapeways, which must be taken care of very well to ensure workers can leave the area unobstructed in case of emergency situations.
Also cited were travelways, which are exactly what they sound like, means of moving from one working area to another.
The mine is still filled with high levels carbon monoxide, so inspectors haven't been able to go underground yet. Expectations are they may be able to enter the mine by June 2.
Showing posts with label Mine Explosion. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Mine Explosion. Show all posts
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Coal Prices Up On Massey (NYSE:MEE) Mine Explosion
Coal prices soar after Massey mine explosion
The explosion at a Massey Energy (NYSE:MEE) mine has caused the price of metallurgical coal to increase as a tight coal market will continue to struggle with the loss of coal supply.
Now that the final four miners' bodies have been found, bringing the total loss of life to 29, it becomes the worst mining accident since 1970.
It'll take months to find the cause behind the explosions, and that will drag on the coal market for some time.
Metallurgical coal is a higher quality product, and demand is high for it, especially in Asia.
Estimates for the Upper Big Branch mine was to ship about 1.6 million tons of metallurgical coal in 2010, about 3 percent of all production in the U.S., based on numbers from 2009.
Even with increased production at other mines, Massey said it's doubtful they're be able to replace what the Upper Big Branch mine would have produced.
With spot prices already increasing by 22 percent, steelmakers will be under pressure, determined by whether or not they'll have to eat the higher prices and have their margins fall, or they are able to pass them on to their customers.
The explosion at a Massey Energy (NYSE:MEE) mine has caused the price of metallurgical coal to increase as a tight coal market will continue to struggle with the loss of coal supply.
Now that the final four miners' bodies have been found, bringing the total loss of life to 29, it becomes the worst mining accident since 1970.
It'll take months to find the cause behind the explosions, and that will drag on the coal market for some time.
Metallurgical coal is a higher quality product, and demand is high for it, especially in Asia.
Estimates for the Upper Big Branch mine was to ship about 1.6 million tons of metallurgical coal in 2010, about 3 percent of all production in the U.S., based on numbers from 2009.
Even with increased production at other mines, Massey said it's doubtful they're be able to replace what the Upper Big Branch mine would have produced.
With spot prices already increasing by 22 percent, steelmakers will be under pressure, determined by whether or not they'll have to eat the higher prices and have their margins fall, or they are able to pass them on to their customers.
Last Massey (NYSE:MEE) Miners Found Dead
Four Missing Massey Miners Found Dead
The four missing miners of the Massey Energy explosion at the Upper Big Branch in West Virginia were found dead, bringing the total death count to 29, now the worst disaster since 1970.
Hopes were the four had reached a place of safety prepared for miners in situations like these, but rescuers said they were killed instantly in the explosion, and had no chance to try to reach safety.
Rescuers had actually passed the four bodies before, but conditions kept them from seeing them.
While cited numerous times for safety violations, the company did improve many of them in response to those violations, and while the numbers look huge, officials from the company said much of that has to do with the size of the mine, which is one of the largest in the state.
The investigation itself as to the cause of the explosion will take months to complete.
The four missing miners of the Massey Energy explosion at the Upper Big Branch in West Virginia were found dead, bringing the total death count to 29, now the worst disaster since 1970.
Hopes were the four had reached a place of safety prepared for miners in situations like these, but rescuers said they were killed instantly in the explosion, and had no chance to try to reach safety.
Rescuers had actually passed the four bodies before, but conditions kept them from seeing them.
While cited numerous times for safety violations, the company did improve many of them in response to those violations, and while the numbers look huge, officials from the company said much of that has to do with the size of the mine, which is one of the largest in the state.
The investigation itself as to the cause of the explosion will take months to complete.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
25 Known Dead After Mine Explosion
Mine Explosion and its consequences to all affected by it
As the tragedy continues to unfold at the Upper Big Branch mine in West Virginia, 25 miners are now confirmed to be dead, with four still missing.
The tremendous amount of toxic gas in the mine stopped operations during the night, and it increasingly looks like the possibility of anyone surviving the blast or exposure to methane gas and carbon monoxide is low at best.
Hopes are based on the remaining workers having had time to get to what is called a refuge chamber, which are built for events like these.
With a history of fines related to the Massey Energy Co., they could be financially devastated from the consequences if they are found at fault for the disaster. Of course that's obviously not the most important part of the tragedy, but it isn't just the company which would be hurt, but the remaining workers who are now in limbo, and will probably have to wait for some time to find out their futures as well.
Overall, there are never any winners in a situation like this, and no matter what happens, it'll be painful for all involved.
As the tragedy continues to unfold at the Upper Big Branch mine in West Virginia, 25 miners are now confirmed to be dead, with four still missing.
The tremendous amount of toxic gas in the mine stopped operations during the night, and it increasingly looks like the possibility of anyone surviving the blast or exposure to methane gas and carbon monoxide is low at best.
Hopes are based on the remaining workers having had time to get to what is called a refuge chamber, which are built for events like these.
With a history of fines related to the Massey Energy Co., they could be financially devastated from the consequences if they are found at fault for the disaster. Of course that's obviously not the most important part of the tragedy, but it isn't just the company which would be hurt, but the remaining workers who are now in limbo, and will probably have to wait for some time to find out their futures as well.
Overall, there are never any winners in a situation like this, and no matter what happens, it'll be painful for all involved.
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