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Date Recorder at Upper Big Branch Coal Mine Shows No Methane Prior to Explosion

The Upper Big Branch mine data recorder has not give any indication of a sudden methane build up before switching off 98 seconds prior to the explosion which killed 29 men in the coal mine.

Ideally the methane recorder would sound an alarm and shut down mining activities if the methane gas approached explosive levels.

The company which owns the Upper Big Branch coal mine is Massey Energy. The mine had been cited at least 17 times by federal mine inspectors for not having methane monitors in proper working order. The Mine Safety and Health Administration agency said that it was concerned when a mine is cited for improperly working methane monitors.

Two such devices were recovered from close to the explosion site. The methane data recorder is now at the Joy Mining Equipment headquarters in Franklin, Mercer County. It will be tested over the weekend to check if the data inputs for methane were functioning properly.

Shortly before the explosion three foremen had reported zero methane in the area, but after the blast high levels of methane were recorded. This is being suspected due to a crack in the mine floor near the longwall.

Joel Scanlon

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Joel Scanlon

Joel relocated to Australia in 1995 from the United Kingdom and spent five years working in the mining industry as an exploration geotechnician. His role involved utilizing GIS mapping and CAD software. Upon transitioning to the North Coast of NSW, Australia, Joel embarked on a career as a graphic designer at a well-known consultancy firm. Subsequently, he established a successful web services business catering to companies across the eastern seaboard of Australia. It was during this time that he conceived and launched News-Medical.Net. Joel has been an integral part of AZoNetwork since its inception in 2000. Joel possesses a keen interest in exploring the boundaries of technology, comprehending its potential impact on society, and actively engaging with AI-driven solutions and advancements.

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