The Mine Safety and Health Administration has assessed a $420,300 fine against Andalex Resources Inc. for violations related to potential fire and explosion hazards at the Aberdeen Mine in Price, Utah. Two citations (issued Oct. 26, 2006, and June 20, 2007) were assessed as “flagrant violations” under the MINER Act, based on the operator's repeated violation of the same safety standard.

According to MSHA inspection records, the mine operator allowed excessive accumulations of hydraulic oil, while fine coal particles covered the hoses, conduit and tram motors on electrical equipment. Also, the mine operator allowed large accumulations of potentially explosive float coal dust and other combustible material to accumulate on a dangerously maintained conveyor belt, MSHA says.