OSM NEWS
U.S. Department of the Interior
Office of Surface Mining

For Release January 24, 1996  
Jerry Childress (202) 208-2719

INTERIOR ADVISORY WARNS OF ABANDONED MINE HAZARDS, ASKS HELP

Robert J. Uram, Director of the Interior Department's Office of
Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSM), has sent an
advisory to state, regional, and national coal mining
associations, which emphasizes the potentially deadly hazards of
abandoned mines, and seeks their cooperation in heightening
public awareness regarding such dangers.

The advisory was triggered by two tragedies which occurred on
January 13, involving abandoned mines in Colorado and Utah.  A
20-year-old man died inside a long-abandoned coal mine near Grand
Junction, Colorado, and a youth apparently fell to his death in
an abandoned non-coal mine near Salt Lake City, Utah.

In his advisory, which was also sent to the Abandoned Mine Lands
(AML) Association, and State and Indian tribal AML agencies, Uram
said, "I am calling these incidents to your attention not only
out of concern for the victims and their families, but also to
once again remind everyone of the multitude of hazards associated
with abandoned mines."  

According to OSM officials, these hazards include:  old shafts,
holes, and tunnels which honeycomb the lands where coal and other
minerals were mined, and pose for unwary explorers hidden
hazards, such as rotten roof support beams, deadly gases,
poisonous snakes, vertical shafts within the tunnels, and flooded
sections.  

Uram stressed that "extreme caution" is called for where
abandoned underground mine shafts and other inactive underground
mine workings are concerned.  "Obviously, the best advice we can
offer people is simply to stay away from abandoned mines," Uram
said.  

"Hiking, exploring, and other outdoor activities are a source of
enjoyment for millions of Americans each year," he said.  "But
outdoor recreation also requires caution, especially near the
hundreds of abandoned mines scattered across the American
countryside. "  

"I would like to count on the assistance of mine operators, coal
industry organizations, and State and Tribal AML agencies in
heightening public awareness regarding the dangers presented by
abandoned mines."  

EDITORS AND REPORTERS:  A copy of the advisory is attached.

January 24, 1996

SAFETY ADVISORY FOR:  Coal Mining Associations        
FROM:  Robert J. Uram, OSM Director                         
SUBJECT:  Abandoned Underground Mine Dangers

Two tragedies occurred on January 13, involving abandoned mines
in Colorado and Utah.  A 20-year-old man died inside a long-
abandoned coal mine near Grand Junction, Colorado, and a youth
apparently fell to his death in an abandoned non-coal mine near
Salt Lake City, Utah.

The Colorado coal mine had been sealed twice by the Colorado
Division of Mining and Geology (DMG).  Vandals had ripped away
the gates.  The DMG was aware that the gate had been removed the
second time and was planning to restore it.    

I am calling these incidents to your attention not only out of
concern for the victims and their families, but also to once
again remind everyone of the multitude of hazards associated with
abandoned mines.   

It is clear that extreme caution is called for where abandoned
underground mine shafts and other inactive underground mine
workings are concerned.  Hiking, exploring, and other outdoor
activities are a source of enjoyment for millions of Americans
each year.  But outdoor recreation also requires caution ---
especially near the hundreds of abandoned mines scattered across
the American countryside.  Old shafts, holes, and tunnels
honeycomb the lands where coal and other minerals were mined, and
pose hidden hazards for unwary explorers, including rotten roof
support beams, deadly gases, poisonous snakes, vertical shafts
within the tunnels, and flooded sections.  Obviously, the best
advice we can offer people is simply to stay away from abandoned
mines.      

I would like to count on the assistance of mine operators and
coal industry organizations like yours to heighten public
awareness of the dangers presented by abandoned mines.  I
encourage you to contact your state surface mine regulatory
authorities and your OSM contacts, or me directly, with your
ideas for safeguarding our citizens against this potentially
deadly hazard.

cc:   AML Association, State and Tribal AML Agencies