FRANKFORT, Ky. (Jan. 24, 2006) - A Pike County mine was ordered closed today after a state Office of Mine Safety and Licensing (OMSL) inspector observed a roof area totally unsupported.

Hard Core Mining, Fords Branch, Ky., was ordered closed when the mine inspector observed an entire cross cut (20’ x 20’) that had the roof bolt heads cut off or sheared, leaving the roof area unsupported.

Closure orders were immediately issued and seven miners were ordered out of the mine.

The closed area is the only intake/haul road entry in this area of the mine. All employees were required to exit the mine along the beltline, which has roof supports in place. Tire marks indicated that mobile equipment had been taken through the unsupported section of the mine.

A closure order was written for violation of 805 KAR 5:030 (2) (1) which states that no person shall work or travel under unsupported roof in any underground coal mine.

A second closure order was issued for violation of 805 KAR 5:070 (11) (4) (a) which requires that when any hazardous roof face or rib conditions are detected, the condition shall be corrected before work or travel is conducted in the affected area.

The closure orders require the entire travel way be spot bolted from the mine entrance to the working section and that the cross cut be supported.

OMSL is conducting an investigation. The closure orders will not be lifted until the investigation is complete.