Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Pumps and Drills Mobilized in Search for Missing Miner in Flooded West Virginia Mine

Emergency approvals have enabled rapid pumping to lower water levels for a safe reentry.

Overview

  • Gov. Patrick Morrisey said about 2.7 million gallons still must be removed after days of nonstop pumping.
  • Alpha Metallurgical Resources is preparing surface drilling to open additional access points where a capsule drill could be used.
  • Specialized dive teams have entered the Rolling Thunder Mine three times, with underwater drones staged for deployment when conditions allow.
  • Officials report the flooding began after crews struck an unknown pocket of water and an old mine wall was compromised.
  • The unaccounted worker, identified by officials as the crew foreman with roughly 20 years of experience, is believed to be about 3,600 feet inside the mine.