The stoppage affects both surface and underground operations; West Virginia has 315 active underground mines and 229 active surface mines.

While information on the accidents is still being developed and the deceased workers have not yet been named, it is known that one death was at the Long Branch No. 18 mine, resulting from a safety wall that fell when support came loose. The other fatality, at Black Castle surface mine, was caused by a fire after a bulldozer operator struck a natural gas line, according to Reuters. Additionally, minor injuries were reported at an incident at the Kanawha Eagle mine.

“As a result of these three incidents, all of which occurred within just the last few hours, I am calling on the industry to cease production activities immediately and go into a mine safety stand-down,” Manchin said in a press conference late Wednesday afternoon.

He has ordered an immediate inspection of every mining operation in the state and additional federal investigators have been dispatched to assist.

“West Virginia remains committed to putting the safety of every one of our miners first and foremost, far above any production that might come from that mining operation,” Manchin said.

There is no time estimate available for the completion of the inspections, but Manchin said the safety checks would include the review of mine conditions, safety checklists and designated escape routes.

WVCA president Bill Rainey was at Manchin’s side for the press conference, the importance of miner safety. “If you don't have a safe mine, you don't have a productive mine,” he said.

International Longwall News spoke with one miner affected by the shutdown that couldn’t help but think of the financial effect the halt will have. “The impact will be massive,” he said.

West Virginia, with more than 153Mt in coal production annually, is the second largest coal producer in the US after Wyoming.

The total for West Virginia mining industry deaths now stands at 14, all of which occurred within three weeks in January.