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October 6, 2008 9:17:52 PM CDT

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Which Came First: Quake or Collapse?

Posted Aug 8, 07 5:19 PM CDT in US,  Science & Health,  Technology 

(Newser) – A cave-in method of coal extraction called “retreat mining,” recently okayed by regulators for Crandall Canyon, was more likely to have caused the Utah mine disaster than an earthquake, seismographers tell the Los Angeles Times. And they say the massive tremor was consistent with the type  “induced by underground coal mining.” It “just doesn’t look like a natural event,” one says.

Still, a quake can't be ruled out, because they do occur at that magnitude in central Utah. Robert Murray, president of company that operates the mine, insists that there was no retreat mining in the vicinity of the miners. The technique, which involves pulling out pillars made of coal as excavation is finished in an area, is notoriously dangerous; the last pillar to be pulled is nicknamed the "suicide pillar."

Source Los Angeles Times

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An aerial view of the Crandall Canyon Mine in Huntington, Utah, where miners are trapped, is seen Monday, Aug. 6, 2007. Efforts to reach six coal miners trapped more than 1,500 feet (457 meters) underground...   (Associated Press)
Robert E. Murray, founder and chairman of Murray Energy Corp, which owns the Crandall Canyon mine, announces that seismic activity has "totally shut down" efforts to reach six miners trapped below ground...   (Associated Press)
Robert Murray, founder and chairman of Cleveland-based Murray Energy Corp., speaks with a reporters following his update news conference on the rescue efforts for six trapped coal miners at the entrance...   (Associated Press)
Robert Murray, founder and chairman of Cleveland-based Murray Energy Corp., gives an update on the rescue efforts for six trapped coal miners during a news conference at the entrance to the Crandall Canyon...   (Associated Press)
Robert Murray, founder and chairman of Cleveland-based Murray Energy Corp., gives an update on the rescue efforts for six trapped coal miners during a news conference at the entrance to the Crandall Canyon...   (Associated Press)
Ariana Sanchez, 16, back to camera, is comforted by a loved one, as Rogelio Bustillos,wearing hat, comforts Ariana's sister, Apolonia Sanchez after they learned that Manuel Sanchez, 42, the girls'...   (Associated Press)
Miners load their gear after their shifts trying to rescue six trapped coal miners at the entrance to the Crandall Canyon Mine on Tuesday, Aug. 7, 2007, northwest of Huntington, Utah. (AP Photo/Douglas...   (Associated Press)
Robert Murray, right, chairman of Murray Energy Corp. of Cleveland, a part owner of the Crandall Canyon mine speaks with the media about the ongoing efforts to save 6 miners trapped in the collapsed mine...   (Associated Press)
Mine equipment arrives to help in the rescue of six trapped coal miners at the entrance to his Crandall Canyon Mine on Monday, Aug. 6, 2007, northwest of Huntington, Utah. (AP Photo/Douglas C. Pizac)   (Associated Press)
A map shows the Crandall Canyon Mine on Monday, Aug. 6, 2007, northwest of Huntington, Utah. Hundreds of rescuers broke through walls of rock Monday in a desperate race to reach six coal miners trapped...   (Associated Press)
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earthquake  • Utah  • safety  • collapse  • mine  • Crandall Canyon  • mining


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