Mine safety agency seeks injunction against coal operator

PRESTONSBURG, Ky. (AP) – The U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration is seeking an injunction to stop an eastern Kentucky coal mine operator from interfering with safety inspectors.

The Lexington Herald-Leader (http://bit.ly/1OixSBU) reports the move was spurred by an Aug. 17 incident at a Floyd County mine in which operator Jeremy Bryant allegedly screamed at inspectors and backed one against a wall while discussing a citation. A hearing in the matter is scheduled next week before U.S. District Judge Amul R. Thapar.

The inspectors said in a sworn statement that they feared Bryant might have attacked them if his father hadn’t intervened.

The newspaper reports its efforts to reach Bryant weren’t successful. Court records don’t list an attorney for him.

A court document filed by MSHA says Bryant is president of Connor Coal Co.

___

Information from: Lexington Herald-Leader, http://www.kentucky.com

Copyright 2015 The Associated Press.