MSHA vigorously investigates all acts of unlawful conduct that threaten miners' safety and refers those cases involving criminal conduct to the United States Attorney's Office for prosecution.

Alcohol and drug abuse by miners threatens the safety of their colleagues, and that cannot be tolerated.

I am asking miners and management at every mine operation to do the right thing: Take one hour out for safety's sake. This Monday, we urge that extra time be taken, at the beginning of each shift and before the start of any mining activity, to go over the hazards involved with mining and the vital safeguards that need to be taken.

All of us at MSHA deeply grieve the loss of these miners' lives, and I want to assure their families and friends that we are conducting an uncompromising investigation into this accident. We will uncover the truth of why this tragedy happened, and how we can best protect miners in the future.

MSHA and the entire mining community extend our deepest condolences when miners are in danger.

MSHA is moving quickly and aggressively to evaluate technology that may help save the lives of miners in this nation. We will test these systems - as well as other promising technologies that arise - to provide miners and mine operators with useful data on the effectiveness of devices such as these in making mines safer workplaces.