West Virginia Office of Miners’ Health, Safety and Training spokesperson Jama Jarrett told International Longwall News that the state’s mine inspectors opened an investigation at the complex in late January after then-foreman John Renner admitted to mine staff that he had falsified reports.

“He entered in the record books a mandatory safety check, but admitted that he did not actually perform the entire safety examination, which included checking methane levels behind a sealed portion of the mine,” Jarrett said.

She noted that Renner was subsequently fired and the WVOMHST was seeking the suspension and ultimate revocation of Renner’s certification.

Because a federal investigation was launched after the admission, Jarrett noted, the state’s investigation ceased and witnesses in the criminal probe have since declined comment to WVOMHST inspectors.

“Subsequently, high levels of methane were detected behind a sealed portion of the mine; thus, the evacuation last week and operating status of the mine today,” she said.

US Mine Safety and Health Administration spokesperson Amy Louviere told ILN that federal officials would not comment on an ongoing investigation relating to the records violations, but did confirm that the Federal operation was shut down on two separate occasions – February 12 and again February 18, with the issue made public following the latter event.

“During examinations, the mine operator found explosive mixtures of gas in a sealed area, prompting an evacuation of the entire mine,” she said.

“Before allowing its workers to go back into the mine, the operator must submit a re-entry plan approved by MSHA.”

Louviere confirmed that no injuries were reported as a result of the issues at Federal, and no closure orders were issued by Federal officials. Further, she told ILN, the timeline for the mine’s restart was not known.

“MSHA District 3 officials are in regular contact with the mine operator to discuss and review the operator’s proposed plan. So far, no plan has been approved that would allow re-entry,” she said.

On Tuesday, Patriot said an enhanced ventilation plan was being prepared for submission to MSHA.

"We are taking every precaution to ensure that our work environment remains safe for our people, while complying with all mining regulations," Patriot chief executive officer Richard Whiting said.

"While we are currently in compliance with the existing ventilation plan at the mine, we are working diligently to improve on that plan to address concerns MSHA has raised."

The company noted the timeline for production remained uncertain, but the mine was expected to remain idle until at least the middle of next week.

Patriot officials also spoke on the status of the record falsification investigation, confirming it was cooperating with officials.

“…It is alleged that one or more employees made inaccurate entries in official mine records,” the company said.

“[Patriot] has disclosed information to the appropriate authorities and will take appropriate actions as the facts become clearer. The company does not intend to comment on the investigation while it is pending.”

The Federal mine is a union-represented longwall and room and pillar operation that extracts from the Pittsburgh seam under an average seam height of 7 feet.

Other Patriot Coal complexes in Appalachia include Big Mountain, Blue Creek Campbell’s Creek, Corridor G, Kanawha Eagle, Logan County, Paint Creek, Panther, Rocklick and Wells.

The producer sold more than 20.6 million tons of coal from all of its mines in the region in 2008.

Patriot Coal was spun off from Peabody Energy in 2007. The operator purchased Magnum Coal in 2008, doubling its Appalachian production base.