Mach Mining, LLC v. Sec'y of Labor, Mine Safety & Health Admin., No. 12-3598 (7th Cir. 2013)
Annotate this CaseMach operates an Illinois underground coal mine, using the “longwall” method, which begins with drilling tunnels for ventilation and access. A machine then shears coal from the wall and transports it out of the mine. Mach’s ventilation plan, required by 30 U.S.C. 863(o) involved blowing fresh air into the mine with an exhaust system that pulls out air containing methane, coal dust and particles. There are monitoring points throughout the mine, including at the longwall face and the top of the ventilation shaft. The system was approved for Panels 1 and 2, but not for Panel 3. There is no statutory process for obtaining review of refusal to approve a ventilation plan. Mach notified Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) that it intended to operate without an approved ventilation plan in order to obtain administrative review. MSHA then issued two citations for “technical violations.” An ALJ for the Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission refused to consider additional evidence tendered by Mach that had not been presented to the district manager during informal negotiations and concluded that refusal to approve the ventilation plan was not arbitrary and capricious. The Commission affirmed. The Seventh Circuit denied a petition for review.
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