W.Va. Mine Reopening after 2 Fatal Accidents

SOPHIA, W.Va. -- United Coal Co. says it's resuming production at the southern West Virginia coal mine where two men died within two weeks of each other.

Corporate counsel Jennifer Guthrie said Wednesday that state and federal officials have given their approval to restart the Affinity mine near Sophia. Tennessee-based United is the parent of Pocahontas Coal.

Edward Finney of Bluefield, Va., died Feb. 7 when he was pinned under a hoist he'd been moving trash into. Hoists are used to move miners, equipment and supplies between the surface and the underground operation.

John Myles of Hilltop was crushed by a scoop Feb. 19.

Guthrie says that the first day back for each employee is being devoted to task retraining.

Management says it's also reviewing safety protocols and maintaining close contact with workers.