Mach Mining Didn’t Adequately Record Mine Hazards: D.C. Cir.

A mine operator lost its bid challenging a safety agency’s conclusion that it didn’t adequately record accumulations of coal dust, loose coal, and other combustible material on a 3,600-foot slope belt.

All coal mine companies must deal with the issue of just how much detail is required for adequate record keeping when conducting mine safety exams. Mines can be shut down if they are the subject of multiple findings of significant and substantial violations.

An administrative law judge earlier found that Illinois-based Mach Mining LLC was negligent in failing to prevent and clean up coal dust accumulations at a mine ...