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STATEMENT BY NMA PRESIDENT AND CEO JACK N. GERARD REGARDING THE RESCUE OF NINE MINERS AT THE QUECREEK MINE NEAR SOMERSET, PENNSYLVANIA
July 29, 2002
"The National Mining Association and its member companies join all Americans in rejoicing in the heroic rescue of the nine Black Wolf Coal Company miners at the Quecreek Mine."
"The incomparable persistence, skill and determination of the rescuers was surpassed only by the courage, fortitude and resourcefulness of the nine miners themselves. The quick thinking and action displayed during this incident is a testimony, not only to the abilities of all involved, but also to the technology employed; the cooperative effort between industry, state and federal personnel; and the intensive safety and training programs required at every U.S. coal mine."
"The precision with which the air and rescue shafts were drilled was assisted by employment of Global Positioning System equipment and the use of a carbide-tipped, high-speed drill, both commonly employed in everyday mining operations. Also, high-capacity pumps were instrumental in reducing the water level inside the mine, so a rescue attempt could be made."
"In addition to 40 hours of government approved training each new miner is required to receive, all experienced miners must have at least 8 hours of refresher training annually. This training no doubt helped greatly as events unfolded at Quecreek, and, overall, has contributed to steadily declining coal mine injury totals over the past decade."
"The industry, with its partners at the state, federal and local level, will continue to build on innovative and effective safety programs that have contributed to a 42 percent decline in coal mine fatalities over the past decade. Even one fatality is too many -- and the mining industry, in cooperation with government officials, is committed to achieving a goal of zero fatalities and injuries."
"Once the investigation into the causes of the Quecreek incident is completed, we look forward to working with all parties to resolve any existing problems in an effort to achieve continued improvements in coal mine safety."
