Tagged: coal mining

LEXINGTON, Ky. -- A state report shows the number of coal jobs in Kentucky has dwindled to its lowest point since 1950.

The Lexington Herald-Leader cited data from the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet in reporting that the 13,109 people worked in the coal industry during the first quarter of 2013. The newspaper reports that is the least amount of workers since state officials began keeping records in 1950.

WHITESBURG, Ky. - New statistics released by the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet show a staggering drop in coal production and a sharp rise in unemployment in the southeastern Coalfields, particularly in Letcher, Harlan, Knott and Perry counties.  According to the report, Eastern Kentucky coal production has reached the lowest level since 1965.

CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- Federal mining regulators issued 285 citations during November impact inspections.

The U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration said Thursday it also issued 11 orders following inspections at nine coal mines and seven other mines.

MSHA issued 23 citations and seven orders at TRC Mining Corp. No. 2 mine in Letcher County, Ky. Violations included failing to follow the ventilation plan, seal maintenance or pre-shift examinations.

PINEVILLE, Ky. - A southeastern Kentucky man is working to organize a coal rally that would line 17 miles of highway from the Knox-Bell county line to the Cumberland Gap Tunnel.

FRANKFORT, Ky.   An early morning accident has claimed the life of a Harlan County coal miner. The Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet reports that the miner was repairing a canopy – the protective covering over a shuttle car – when the canopy collapsed around 5:40 a.m. Saturday.

It happened at the Timber Tree Mine, which is owned by Parton Brothers Mining. Officials have not yet identified the miner. His death marks the first mining fatality of 2012 in Kentucky.