The 43 citations, totalling $105,840, are part of the 208 that were issued to ICG last calendar year but had not yet been assessed for a total amount due. The additional fines were issued prior to the mine accident, according to Associated Press.

The most financially significant of ICG’s fines was for a violation of roof support standards, which holds a fine of $9600. Problems with the operation’s ventilation system were also cited and a $9200 fine assessed, the news service said.

The US Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) said last month it was revamping its fine structure and has submitted plans to the US Congress to increase mine citation fines to a new minimum of $US60,000 and maximum of $US220,000. Currently, it can fine $US60 to $US60,000 per infraction and, until 2003, the maximum fine was $US55,000.

Small fine amounts for infractions have been a point of contention with regulatory representatives recently. None of the previously issued penalties at the Sago mine were more than $1000, APsaid.

MSHA acting assistant secretary David Dye told the media the fines proved the agency’s efforts were in force prior to the fatal incident.

“The fines assessed reinforce MSHA’s stepped-up and aggressive enforcement record at the Sago Mine before the tragic disaster occurred on January 2,” Dye said.

There have been 22 mining-related deaths so far in 2006 in the US, 20 of which have occurred at underground operations. A record low of 22 deaths were reported in the country in 2005.