---

                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: FRIDAY, March 5, 1993                   TAG: 9303050253
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: C5   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE: WASHINGTON                                LENGTH: Short

---

REPORT BLAMES VENTILATION IN MINE BLAST

A federal agency Thursday issued two safety violations in a methane gas explosion that burned five coal miners in December along the West Virginia-Virginia border.

The U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration said both charges were related to an inadequate ventilation system that allowed the buildup of combustible methane gas at CONSOL Inc.'s Amonate No. 31 mine.

Each citation carries a penalty up to $50,000, the agency said.

CONSOL Inc. spokesman Paul Kvederis said from Upper St. Clair, Pa., that the company was reviewing the citations. He declined further comment Thursday.

Two of the five injured miners have returned to work at the Amonate mine. - Associated Press

---