MSHA effectively shut down a Kentucky coal mine last month that was one of two mines the Agency had put on pattern of violation (POV) status over a year ago.

The latest enforcement action against Bledsoe Coal Corp.'s Abner Branch Rider Mine in Leslie County came during an impact inspection June 21.  Agency inspectors issued 19 citations and 12 withdrawal orders.   The alleged violations effectively shut down the entire mine for eight days.  The impact inspection is the third at the mine since the enforcement program began in April 2010.