Davitt McAteer Quotations

It really looks like a textbook recovery to me.

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

Does it provide perfect, two-way communications? The answer is no. But the perfect should not be the enemy of the good. These need to be put into the mines.

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.

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

Ordinarily, violations occur on a regular basis. On any inspection, you'll find some. This is not a very huge mine. As the numbers grow in volume, it's something management has to address.

But China lacks an inspection force that can come in and shut down operations when the conditions demand it. They'll say they close lots (of unsafe mines), but they're not really serious.

To deal with the problem, it takes manpower and constraints on the production track.

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

This isn't an easy accident to dissect. I don't think anybody has the answer yet.