CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) -- November inspections of problem U.S. mines produced 315 citations and orders at 10 coal operations and six metal/nonmetal mines.
The Mine Safety and Health Administration says coal mines got 200 of those citations and 50 of the orders.
MSHA increased inspections at mines with a poor compliance history after the 2010 explosion that killed 29 men in West Virginia's Upper Big Branch mine.
Daystar Coal LLC's No. 3 Mine in Pike County, Ky., drew 52 citations and 11 orders when inspectors found a bearing on a conveyor tailpiece glowing orange and smoking. Explosive coal dust was floating in the air and loose coal was piled 18 inches deep.
D&C Mining Corp.'s D&C Mine in Harlan County, Ky., drew 27 citations and 15 orders for violations including accumulation of explosive materials.
