Patriot evacuates West Virginia coal mine due to dangerous atmosphere behind seals

Patriot mine closed due to dangerous atmosphere

MIRACLE RUN, W.Va. — Patriot Coal says it’s temporarily closed the Federal No. 2 mine in northern West Virginia due to dangerous atmospheric conditions in a sealed area.

Patriot announced the shutdown Monday, but says it evacuated Federal on Feb. 18. It’s unclear when mining will resume at the sprawling underground complex.

St. Louis-based Patriot isn’t offering specifics about the dangerous atmosphere, but federal Mine Safety and Health Administration rules require action if methane gas levels in sealed areas reach explosive ranges.

MSHA adopted the rule after 12 men died after methane exploded in a sealed area of the Sago Mine on Jan. 2, 2006.

Patriot says it immediately evacuated the mine after detecting the problem, but MSHA has since allowed workers in to perform maintenance.