Monthly inspections were launched following the Upper Big Branch mine disaster in April 2010.

The inspections target mines that merit increased agency attention and enforcement due to their poor compliance history or particular compliance concerns.

On March 18, MSHA conducted an impact inspection at Peabody Midwest Mining’s Francisco underground pit in Gibson County, Indiana.

Six citations and five unwarrantable failure orders were issued. It was the first inspection at the site.

Citations were ordered for issues such as a loose coal rib that put miners at risk of being struck by falling rock.

Inspectors also noted inadequate on-shift examination during the day-shift.

The mine was cited for accumulation of combustible material 151 times in the last two years of regularly mandated inspections.

MSHA also completed an impact inspection on March 25 at the Essroc Cement Corp in Berkeley County, West Virginia.

MSHA issued four citations to Essroc and 17 citations and one order to several contractors onsite.