FAIRMONT — Patriot Coal Corp.’s Federal No. 2 Mine in Fairview was idled late last week for health and safety reasons.
“The concern is dealing with the sealed-off area of the mine,” said Mike Caputo, District 31 international vice president of the United Mine Workers of America. “The atmospheric condition there has raised some concerns, and the health and safety of the miners has to be first and foremost.”
Caputo, who also serves as majority whip for the West Virginia House of Delegates, explained that larger mines often seal off portions of a site that were previously mined. Sometimes the conditions of these old areas that were mined long ago become very hazardous, so the company elects to seal off and monitor them.
Since the closing last week, the only people entering the Federal No. 2 Mine have been those required to make sure the mine is safe and to continue pumping water, he said. Approximately 450 UMWA-represented miners are employed at the mine, or a total of 550 counting salary and union personnel.
Full story
Local News
Federal No. 2 mine closed
Idled last week due to health, safety reasons
- Local News
-
-
County has numerous events planned for state’s 150th birthday
West Virginia has a birthday every year, and Fairmont celebrates it one way or another every time it comes around.
-
Pierpont to develop campus, facilities master plan
With the recent decision to relocate student services, administration and academic programs to Veterans’ Square in downtown Fairmont, Pierpont Community & Technical College must now develop a complete campus and facilities master plan.
-
Protective order on property granted
A federal court has granted a request to protect a house agents believe may have been purchased by a Fairmont State University administrator with proceeds from a criminal enterprise.
-
New thrift store raising money for paws4people
A new thrift store in Fairmont is raising money for paws4people foundation, which is creating positive experiences and changing lives.
-
Fairmont man charged with unlawful wounding
The Marion County Sheriff’s Department made multiple arrests early in the week for charges of drug possession and unlawful wounding.
-
Rate increases proposed in Farmington
Town officials in Farmington say they have no choice but to raise water and sewer rates.
During Tuesday’s meeting, council accepted an ordinance that called for raising residents’ rates by more than 30 percent. -
NMHS paving project approved
Two construction projects will be moving forward at North Marion High School.
-
Harris considering challenging votes in mayor’s race
The votes stand following the canvass of one of the biggest elections the Town of Monongah has had in recent years.
-
Water transportation fee approved for Downs PSD
Customers of the Downs Public Service District will soon be paying a water transportation fee.
-
JoAnn Wilson’s grandchildren are ‘the greatest in the universe’
JoAnn Wilson knows her grandchildren are more than special.
“They’re the greatest in the universe. I always tell them that.” - More Local News Headlines
-
