Darby Mine Statement

United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) International President Cecil Roberts issued the following statement today:

"The hearts and prayers of every UMWA member are with the families of the five miners killed in the explosion at the Darby #1 mine in Holmes Mill, Kentucky early this morning. We are also praying for the recovery of the injured miner who is in the hospital.

"Though the Darby #1 mine is a non-union mine and its workers are not UMWA members, we stand ready to provide whatever assistance we can for the families of the lost miners and the survivor.

"This tragedy only compounds what has already been a horrific year in America's coal mines. There have now been 31 coal miners killed in the nation's mines in 2006, and we are not yet even halfway through the year.

"It is imperative that the federal Mine Safety and Health Administration and the state mine safety agencies redouble their inspection and enforcement activities, starting now."