An imminent danger order MSHA issued to a West Virginia coal operator has prompted a sweep of the controlling operator’s mines in Appalachia.

MSHA issued the Sec. 107(a) order May 18 at Spartan Mining Co.’s Road Fork #51 Mine in Wyoming County.  Agency spokeswoman Amy Louviere told the Charleston Gazette the order was issued due to “a burning belt” at the underground mine.  Spartan is a subsidiary of Alpha Natural Resources.

Federal inspectors also issued five Sec. 104(d) orders and two Sec. 104(a) citations during their May 18 visit to the mine.