mine safety

Changing hearts and minds in Washington, D.C.

AFSC’s tradition of bringing constituents to meet face-to-face with lawmakers is providing a beacon of hope for change within a frustrating political climate in Washington, D.C.

Upper Big Branch Mine Disaster Report

Upper Big Branch Report Cover

Photo by Jeff Gentner, Associated Press

The worst mine disaster in 40 years occurred on April 5, 2010, when 29 miners lost their lives at Massey Energy’s Upper Big Branch Mine.  Shortly after the tragedy, West Virginia’s governor appointed an independent investigation panel which included AFSC staffer Beth Spence.  She served in a similar capacity in 2006 following the Sago mine collapse and brought her experience and journalistic skills to the new report issued on May 19, 2011.

application/pdf iconUpper Big Branch Report.pdf

Upper Big Branch families plead for Congressional action on mine safety

Upper Big Branch Families Trip to Washington, D.C.

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Images available on Flickr

Accompanied by AFSC West Virginia Economic Justice staff member Beth Spence, Upper Big Branch mining families traveled to Congress in Washington, D.C. June 6-7, 2012 to encourage improved mine safety legislation. Photos: Bryan Vana

Accompanied by AFSC West Virginia Economic Justice staff member Beth Spence, Upper Big Branch mining families traveled to Congress in Washington, D.C. June 6-7, 2012 to encourage improved mine safety legislation.

Full article here.

Carrying enlarged photographs of their lost loved ones, family members of three of the 29 miners killed in the 2010 explosion at West Virginia’s Upper Big Branch mine spent June 6-7 in Washington, D.C., pleading with lawmakers to take action to improve mine safety and to stiffen penalties for mining companies that knowingly, willingly, and recklessly place miners’ lives at risk.

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