This photo of Roy Middleton working underground at the Kentucky Darby mine now sits on the mantel in the Middleton home in Harlan County, Ky. He was killed after an explosion in 2006. Anna Boiko-Weyrauch/NPR/Original photo courtesy of the Middleton family hide caption

itoggle caption Anna Boiko-Weyrauch/NPR/Original photo courtesy of the Middleton family

Coal Mines Keep Operating Despite Injuries, Violations And Millions In Fines

November 12, 2014 • An NPR investigation found thousands of American mine owners fail to pay penalties for safety violations, even as they continue to manage dangerous — and sometimes deadly — operations.

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The injuries Jack Blankenship sustained after a 300-pound rock pinned him to the ground while working in a coal mine prevent him from sitting for long periods of time or walking far. He says he's in constant pain. Anna Boiko-Weyrauch/NPR hide caption

itoggle caption Anna Boiko-Weyrauch/NPR

Miners At Risk Because Of Unpaid And Uncollected Fines

November 13, 2014 • NPR probes the regulatory loophole that allows mine owners to ignore government regulators and operate unsafe mines. For years, the owners have failed to pay penalties even as workers are injured.

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Outside the D&C Mining Corp. mine near Cranks, Ky. The company owes more than $4 million in unpaid safety penalties. Howard Berkes/NPR hide caption

itoggle caption Howard Berkes/NPR