Mining-related deaths in the United States fell to their lowest levels since records have been kept during 2001, despite two explosions that killed thirteen people in an Alabama coal mine on Sept. 23.
The U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) reported 72 mining deaths in 2001, the lowest number since the federal government started keeping track in 1910. Forty-two (38 in 2000) of the deaths occurred in coal mines. Fewer fatalities in copper, gold and other mines (47 in 2000) offset the slight increase in coal mining deaths.
Alabama proved the deadliest state with 16 mining industry deaths as of Dec. 17, 2001. West Virginia saw 12 fatalities and Kentucky had 6 deaths.
Between 1992 and 2001, there have been 885 mining industry deaths, with a peak of 100 deaths in 1995.
MSHA is still investigating the cause of the explosions at the Jim Walter Resources No. 5 mine in Brookwood, Ala.
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