Safety Sources News Today

>> reporter: mine safety sources say they grow frustrated with the deep pockets industry and big-money lawyers who challenge violations. >> isnt it true they can keep tying you in knots? >> they may be able to do that, but the real cost is when you shut them down. when you shut that mines machine down and they cant run coal. thats the real cost. >> the feds find it hard to touch even repeat offenders if they correct the violation. its like an endless series of strikes with few ever called ute. >...

Ron wooten is the west virginia state mining director. are they a good operator or a bad operator in your estimation? >> i dont have an opinion on that particular question. ive seen them do good things. ive seen them do things not so good. >> reporter: one person told me, a source who chose to remain anonymous, told me that you were one of the worst operators in terms of the number of violations and the severity of those violations. >> we would disagree in terms of the condition of our mines. th...

>> i dont have an opinion on that particular question. ive seen them do good things. ive seen them do things not so good. >> one person told me, a source who chose to remain anonymous told me you were one of the worst operators in terms of the operations and the severity of the violations. >> wiee would disagree on the mines. who the inspectors are and a whole host of issues. >> mine safety sources say they grow frustrated with the deep pockets industry and big money lawyers who challenge violat...