CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The U.S. coal industry had its deadliest year in nearly two decades in 2010, with much of the death toll stemming from a single explosion.
As of Thursday, 48 miners had died in the nation’s 1,500 coal mines over the past 12 months — including 29 who were killed April 5 in a blast at Massey Energy Co.’s Upper Big Branch mine in Montcoal, W.Va.
This year’s was the highest death toll since 55 miners were killed in 1992, according to information compiled by the federal Mine Safety and Health Administration.
In 2009, there were 18 deaths, the industry’s lowest tally since 1900, according to federal records.
In addition to the 29 killed at Upper Big Branch, six others also died in West Virginia, the nation’s second-largest coal-producing state.
Kentucky, the nation’s third-largest producer, recorded six deaths. Other mining deaths occurred in Alabama, Illinois, Indiana and Montana. There were no deaths in Colorado.
“Everyone in the industry is concerned about 2010 and what we saw there and is taking a look at all aspects of mine safety,” said Carol Raulston, a spokeswoman for the National Mining Association, an industry trade group.
Federal regulators have credited a series of tough inspections at problem mines with cleaning up the industry since the Upper Big Branch explosion. The Mine Safety and Health Administration said it issued more than 600 citations and orders in October and November.
