I think that the question of the existence of the chamber that provided oxygen, food and protection is fundamentally important in any kind of a mine.

258

In the U.S., the average depth is 800 feet. At 800 feet, you have good solid substantial covering.

250

These devices have proved to be reliable.

244

Does it provide perfect, two-way communications? The answer is no. But the perfect should not be the enemy of the good. These need to be put into the mines.

212

Several of the miners' families asked for a postponement until the federal and state investigative teams have developed more information. After consultation with investigators and state legislators, I concurred. It's a complex investigation and, as the miners' families have said, it's more important to determine the facts carefully and thoroughly than to act before all the facts are in.

205

But China lacks an inspection force that can come in and shut down operations when the conditions demand it. They'll say they close lots (of unsafe mines), but they're not really serious.

200

It really looks like a textbook recovery to me.

180

Time is our enemy again the lack of communication and the lack of the ability to know where the location is are the two strongest factors that give us concern.

165

Ordinarily, violations occur on a regular basis. On any inspection, you'll find some. This is not a very huge mine. As the numbers grow in volume, it's something management has to address.

120