The Mine Safety and Health administration finds mining company responsible for drowning death of foreman

Elbert, WV (WOAY)- The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) has determined a Mcdowell County underground mine operator is responsible for the drowning death of a foreman. 

The MSHA released its final report last week, citing chronic safety failures at the Twin State Mining Inc. in Elbert. 

On August 18, 2023, 39-year-old Christopher Finley of McDowell County drowned while installing a discharge water line for a dewatering pump due to Twin Mining being non-compliant with an approved ventilation plan. 

The plan would have been complete to prevent water from accumulating and negatively impacting safe travel. 

MSHA also reports the facility did not conduct a proper weekly examination of the return air course. 

Steelmaker Cleveland Cliff Inc., a company with a history of safety and health violations, runs Twin State Mining.