Review of MSHA's Actions at the Upper Big Branch Mine-South Performance Coal Company Montcoal, Raleigh County, West Virginia

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Dedication

The Internal Review team offers sincere condolences to the families and friends of the miners who lost their lives or were injured in the explosion. While we can not begin to comprehend the pain, sorrow, and anguish that friends and family members have experienced and continue to experience, our efforts are respectfully dedicated to the memory of the 29 miners. We also wish to acknowledge the efforts of the many Company, State, MSHA, and other rescue and recovery personnel who performed selflessly at UBB.

Reports

Internal Review Without Appendices (2.46 MB)

Internal Review (With Appendices - 17.4 MB)

Executive Summary

News Release

Audio track of the press conference call held 3/6/2012 (.wav file)

An Independent Panel Assessment of An Internal Review of MSHA Enforcement Actions at the Upper Big Branch Mine South

Appendices

Entire Set of Appendices (15.1 MB)

By Appendix

Appendix A — Program Area Responses

Addition to Appendix A — Other recommendations and corrective actions not included in original appendix (Added November 15, 2012)

Appendix B — Persons Interviewed or Providing Information

Appendix C — Recommendations for Regulatory Changes

Appendix D — Enforcement of Specific Standards (Non contributory Violations)

Appendix E — MSHA Inspections and Investigations at UBB

Appendix F — Lists of Inspection Procedure Headers

Appendix G — Section 103(i) Spot Inspections at UBB

Appendix H — Violations Cited during Section 103(i) Spot Inspections at UBB

Appendix I — Comparison of the MMU Plans for the Longwall Panels

Appendix J — Inundation by Water of the 1 North Longwall Headgate

Appendix K — Review of Longwall Pillar Designs at UBB

Appendix L — Summary of Deficiencies Common to District 4 Accountability Audits and the UBB Internal Review

Appendix M — MSHA Technical Support Memoranda on UBB Floor Bursts

Appendix N — Comparison of Belt Inspections and Examination Records

Appendix O — Enforcement of Respirable Dust Standards

• Corrective Action Tracking * (Updated 1/31/2013)

• Review Related FOIA Documents

• Fatal Accident Investigation Report