Upper Big Branch mine infractions

-- Mines are inspected by the federal government at least four times a year.

-- The Upper Big Branch coal mine, the site of Monday's explosion, has been cited 1,342 times for safety violations since the beginning of 2005. (Days since the beginning of 2005: 1,922.)

-- In 25 of those cases, a Labor Department agency proposed fines of $10,000 or more. The mine owner, Massey Energy, has agreed to settle only four; the rest remain under appeal or unpaid.

-- Eighty-six of the citations have been for failing to follow a mine-ventilation plan to control methane and coal dust. Twelve of those citations came last month.

SOURCE: Mine Safety and

Health Administration data