PHILIPPI, W.Va. — Investigators with the state Office of Miner’s Health, Safety, and Training along with federal regulators from MSHA are working to determine the caue of a fire underground at the Leer South Mine in Barbour County.
The fire occurred on Monday forcing the evacuation of all miners underground and idled operations while emergency officials contemplated way to move forwad. Nobody was injured.
The mine is operated by Core Natural Resources. The company put out the following statement:
“The Leer South mine near Philippi, West Virginia experienced a combustion-related event on January 13th. All mine personnel have been safely evacuated from the mine and no injuries have been sustained. The Mine Safety and Health Administration and the appropriate state regulatory agencies have been notified of the event and are on hand. The Leer South team is working closely with federal and state officials to assess the situation. The company does not believe that the event has resulted in any material damage to the longwall or other mining equipment.”
It’s unclear when operations will resume.