Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission judge Richard Manning said in an 18-page decision provided to International Longwall News that MSHA was within its authority given the mine’s unpredictable bounces, bumps and outbursts.

“I recognize that reasonable people could disagree whether the amended roof control plan [by mine owner Murray Energy] was adequately protecting miners from bounces,” he said.

“The company strongly believes that the plan worked better than expected.”

He added that he affirmed the 103(k) stoppage order initially handed down by federal regulators.

Agency deputy assistant secretary for operations Michael Davis told ILN MSHA was pleased with the ruling to stop mining at West Ridge’s Panel 13, where crews were located at the time of the bounces in late January.

“MSHA was convinced that continuing bounces on the longwall panel posed an unacceptable risk to miners following a serious accident on January 31,” he said.

Davis noted the remaining mine operations had not been impacted by the order and thus can continue.

“MSHA is willing to review and approve a plan to mine Longwall Panel 14,” he added.

Two weeks previously, the agency said West Ridge operator UtahAmerican Energy was required to move the longwall to avoid more outbursts, a decision that will leave about 800,000 tons of coal in place.

UAE and its parent company Murray Energy contested MSHA’s decision immediately, citing its own engineers’ knowledge of the region’s geology compared to the federal agency’s technical staff.

About 290 West Ridge workers were called out of the mine while Manning conducted the hearing and handed down his decision.

It was not clear on Friday whether all employees had returned to work.