Missing Miners - Update

Fact Sheet on MSHA’s Rescue Efforts at Tri-Star Mining Inc.’s Job No. 3 Mine in Garrett County, Md.

Updated: 4/18/2007 11:50PM EST

• Material continues to be removed at a rate of 25 to 30 trucks per hour.


• It is estimated that approximately 50% of the material necessary to reach the covered machines has been removed.

Last updated: 4/18/2007 6:45EST

• MSHA was notified at the time of the accident Tuesday morning that material from a highwall collapsed onto a shovel and bulldozer around 10:15 a.m. EDT. MSHA was on-site at the time of the accident conducting a close-out conference of a recent inspection.


• There has been no communication with the two operators of either machine since the highwall collapsed.


• The highwall that collapsed was 100-125 feet high.


• MSHA provided a Family Liaison once it was notified of the accident to assist family members that may travel to the mine.


• As of 8 a.m. Wednesday, material has been removed at a rate of 25 to 35 truckloads (with 100-ton capacities) per hour since 6 p.m. Tuesday. The highwall remains unstable, which has interrupted loading of the material at times.


• The rescue operation is continuing and material continues to be loaded and hauled away from the site.


• There are concerns that the highwall above the rescue site is becoming more unstable.