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Correspondence

Kline Calls on MSHA to Transmit Technical Audits to Mine Operators


Dear Secretary Main:   

Recently, an investigative report uncovered an incident in which the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) failed to transmit a critical technical support document to the affected mine operator.  Unfortunately, this is not the first time such a lapse in communication has occurred.  MSHA has acknowledged that a 2003 report addressing methane outbursts at Massey Energy’s Upper Big Branch Mine also was not communicated to the mine operator. 

MSHA’s failure to transmit these reports raises concerns about potentially systemic problems within MSHA’s district offices for both the metal/nonmetal and coal mine divisions.  Such reports contain important technical recommendations that could improve miner safety.  However, this information is useless if the agency fails to put it into the hands of the mine operators.

To read the full letter, click here.

To read Assistant Secretary Main's interim response, click here.

To read Assistant Secretary Marin's final response, click here

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