AP reported that federal mining regulators hit a southwestern Wyoming coal mine with more than two dozen safety violations this week, ranging from the lack of an updated mine map to hydrants with low water pressure.

Owners of the Jim Bridger Coal Mine east of Rock Springs have vowed to fight at least one of the charges. The US Department of Labor's Mine Safety and Health Administration said the mine has stopped production while safety changes are made.

The Casper Star Tribune reports that the violations stem from an August inspection. Other safety allegations included an escape line dangling too high for all workers to reach and a segment of roof that wasn't properly supported.

The agency found that the company failed to properly examine and report a conveyor belt to which damage was "extensive and obvious and should have been noticed by any prudent examiner," according to the citation notice. The agency also issued what's known as an order regarding the conveyor, which means it found the company's actions were worse than ordinary neglect.

PacifiCorp, the mine's majority owner said it will challenge the MSHA over some of its findings. Company spokesman Mr Jeff Hymas did not elaborate on what exactly the company would challenge.

The company statement said that "The health and safety of our employees is of highest importance. We are continually working to improve our programs and procedures in place to help ensure compliance with MSHA regulations and the well-being of our employees."

MSHA spokeswoman Amy Louviere told the Star-Tribune that “The mine operator chose to stop production while changes are made to permit all conditions to be corrected before restarting.”

Source - AP news

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