Reply #5: Um, no. FACT: April 21, 2010: "Feds Target 57 Problem Mines with Surprise Inspection" [View All]

[ClarkUSA]

FYI, Blankenship owns Massey Energy Co. The OP's attempt to politicize President Obama's eulogy is distasteful. The facts bely the insinuation in the OP:

Source: AP

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Nearly 60 problem U.S. coal mines have been hit with surprise inspections aimed at preventing another explosion like the one that killed 29 miners in West Virginia, the nation's chief mine safety regulator said Wednesday.

The Mine Safety and Health Administration did not immediately reveal how many problems were found during the weekend crackdown. A spokeswoman said that information is still being compiled.

The raids targeted 57 mines, including 23 in West Virginia and 14 in Kentucky and involved 275 federal inspectors, MSHA said. Eight of the mines belong to Massey Energy Co., a $4.17 billion company that ranks among the largest coal producers in the United States.

Investigators suspect methane gas and excessive coal dust caused the massive April 5 blast at Massey's Upper Big Branch mine.

"The purpose of these inspections is to provide assurance that no imminent dangers, explosions, hazards or other serious health or safety conditions and practices are present at these mines," MSHA director Joe Main said.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/04/21/surprise-coal-mine-inspec_n_547211.html