Davitt McAteer Families Quotations

Historically, investigations of mine disasters in the United States have never involved the families of the victims. That era ends today.

Several of the miners' families asked for a postponement until the federal and state investigative teams have developed more information. After consultation with investigators and state legislators, I concurred. It's a complex investigation and, as the miners' families have said, it's more important to determine the facts carefully and thoroughly than to act before all the facts are in.

The families ought to be involved. If we have families that are involved in mine safety, the mines will be safer.

There has been no place for families in investigations of mining accidents, and that day is over.