Willow Creek Mine Fire
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October 17 through October 31, 1999
Rehabilitation of the face was completed by the company, and a permissibility inspection was completed by MSHA enforcement personnel on October 18. Inert gas injection continued throughout the period and conditions remained steady. Recovery plans required mining three passes on the longwall face which started on October 19. Bolting of the roof ahead of the shields was completed using stoper drills after each pass. Grouting of the roof was also completed. Continuous monitoring of the mine atmosphere was necessary in order to maintain a stable atmosphere in the gob area but insure good quality in the longwall face
