HOT TOPIC: Did MSHA’s order cause fatal coal mine blast?

On April 5, 2010, a methane explosion tore through Massey Energy's Upper Big Branch coal mine in West Virginia killing 29 workers. The US Mines Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) mandated increased ventilation at the longwall face in 2003 and 2004 due to cracks in the floor that were deemed potential sources of the explosive gas. Now the company says MSHA ordered it to reduce ventilation at the longwall face in 2009 and 2010. Teams re-entering the mine last week noted new cracks in the floor.

Our question this week is: If reduced ventilation is shown to be a contributor to the fatal Upper Big Branch coal mine blast, should MSHA be liable for the explosion?

Please go to the CMJ home page, www.CanadianMiningJournal.com, and find the Hot Topic Opinions question half-way down on the left hand side of the page to vote.