Mine safety officials in the United States are hoping for a quick passage of the new mining bill which will crack down on mines with safety problems.
The industry has been complaining that the new legislation is too punitive.
As per Joe Main, the Director of Mine Safety and Health Administration, the bill would bring a culture of safety to the industry. The new legislation was prompted by the death of 29 miners in April in a West Virginia mine which had a history of mine safety violations.
The tragic incident occurred at Massey Energy's Upper Big Branch Mine in Raleigh County. The Obama administration officials are trying to push the bill through the house despite protests from Republican lawmakers and the officials from the mining industry.