The Mine Safety and Health Administration said Thursday it issued 155 citations and two orders at eight coal mines and four metal/nonmetal mines last month.
The impact inspections began after the Upper Big Branch mine explosion killed 29 men in West Virginia
MSHA director Joe Main says the results reflect a positive trend in overall mine safety. He says there are fewer chronic violators today, and death and injury rates are at all-time lows.
But Main says there are still plenty of operators who don't take responsibility for the safety and health of the miners they employ.
