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Miner Deaths high in 2010

By Rebecca Feldhaus/Madisonville Messenger

Union County, KY – The U.S. coal industry reports 48 miners died this year, six from Kentucky. 29 of those deaths came from West Virginia's Upper Big Branch mine explosion. The cause of the April 5th Massey Energy-owned mine accident has yet to be determined. Investigators estimate the cause won't be determined until late 2011. The Mine Safety and Health Administration reports 2010 was the highest death toll since 1992, when 55 died in mine accidents.