WASHINGTON, D.C. : U.S. Charges Fraud in Coal Dust Samples

The Labor Department said it has found widespread fraud in the coal industry by mine operators who repeatedly tampered with the coal dust samples used to gauge miners’ risk of black lung disease. A 20-month investigation uncovered about 4,700 alleged instances of tampering at about 850 underground coal mines, Labor Secretary Lynn Martin said. The department proposes that a record $5 million in fines be levied against 500 companies for alleged tampering at mines in 16 states. The proposed fines amount to $1,000 for each tampering violation. In addition, criminal cases are being pursued, Martin said. Coal industry officials criticized the actions, saying no evidence existed that the samples had been tampered with.