By Charles Young and Michael Minnich, WV News
DRENNEN, W.Va. — Local, state, and federal agencies are continuing the round-the-clock search for a missing miner at the Rolling Thunder Mine in Nicholas County, Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced Sunday. The effort is focused on lowering water levels and improving air quality to facilitate deeper exploration.
The Governor confirmed that numerous organizations, including Alpha Metallurgical Resources, Inc., the West Virginia Office of Miners’ Health, Safety, and Training (OMHST), and the federal Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA), have joined the rescue operation.
Specialized dive teams have entered the mine twice since the initial event. The first team surveyed several sections earlier in the day, and a second team explored additional areas until conditions required them to return, Morrisey said.
“All responding agencies remain fully engaged and in constant coordination, and the safety of all personnel remains the highest priority,” the Governor’s office stated.
Drilling operations are ongoing, and additional equipment is being mobilized as part of the effort to secure every available resource. Other agencies involved include the West Virginia Emergency Management Division (EMD), the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), the West Virginia State Police, and local emergency responders.
As the operation enters into a second night, Gov. Morrisey asked all West Virginians to keep the miner, his family, and every member of the rescue team in their prayers. “We remain fully committed to this mission,” he added.
Read more: https://www.wvnews.com/news/wvnews/gov-morrisey-round-the-clock-search-for-missing-miner-continues-at-nicholas-county-mine/article_238b9edd-5428-47d3-b5c4-b2eca8bec587.html
Image: By Michael Minnich, WV News