The summit targeting the Southern Appalachia region will be held on Wednesday, December 8, at the Hazard Community and Technical College.

"Recent toxicology reports from mining accidents indicate the presence of drugs or alcohol in some of the victims," MSHA assistant secretary David Dye said.

Through the summit MSHA and the states wish to raise the level of awareness on recent drug and alcohol use in the mining industry and present possible remedies to address the situation.

"We also need to learn what we can from miners, mine operators and public health experts who have successfully addressed this issue and would be willing to share the best practices for handling such situations," Dye said.

The one-day summit will include panel discussions on substance abuse issues, employer responses to substance abuse situations and the miner experience. There will also be a presentation on creating a drug-free workplace and breakout discussions on the government's role in substance abuse, the role of workers' compensation carriers, priority setting for the mine substance abuse task force and integrated efforts among government, industry, labor and community resources.

More information on the summit can be found at www.msha.gov.