The federal Mine Safety and Health Administration has fined Manalapan Mining Co. Inc.'s P-1 Mine near Smith, in Harlan County, more than a half-million dollars in relation to the death of a miner, saying operators failed to identify and correct numerous hazardous conditions involving the mine roof and rock pillars. A section of rock that was nearly 7 feet long, 3 feet wide and 11 inches thick hit 49 year old David A. Partin in the June 29, 2011, collapse of a mine rib, or pillar. MSHA investigators issued five citations with total proposed penalties of $594,100. The company is contesting the fines.
