DOW JONES NEWSWIRES
Federal regulators have issued 10 orders to withdraw workers
from a James River Coal Co. (JRCC) mine in Kentucky after an
inspection there found what the agency called a pattern of
violations.
The Department of Labor's Mine Safety and Health Administration
issued the withdrawal orders over the past month at the Abner
Branch Rider Mine in Kentucky, operated by James River unit Beldose
Coal Corp. The agency called its use of the latest orders
unprecedented.
The news comes a day after a federal grand jury issued a third
charge against the chief of security at the Massey Energy Co. (MEE)
mine where an explosion killed 29 miners last year. A MSHA
inspection earlier this month at another Massey mine prompted 20
withdrawal orders and five citations over safety.
The latest violations at the Abner Branch Rider Mine included
damaged ventilation controls and inadequately supported mine
roofs.
Bledsoe Coal and James River weren't immediately available for
comment.
James River shares were up 2.1% to $21.35 in recent trading amid
a broader market rally.
-By Drew FitzGerald, Dow Jones Newswires; 212-416-2909;
Andrew.FitzGerald@dowjones.com