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LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — After a mine explosion five years ago that killed 29 West Virginia coal miners, authorities stepped up enforcement efforts and pledged to seek out dangerous mines.
That's one of the legacies of the April 5, 2010 tragedy at the Upper Big Branch mine.
But federal officials continue to find explosion risks at some underground mines, including many in states like Kentucky and West Virginia with long histories tied to coal.
The 2010 blast at Upper Big Branch was fueled by excess methane and coal dust that had been allowed to build up in the mine.
Former federal mine safety official Celeste Monforton says it should "send chills up people's spines" that inspectors are still finding coal mines at risk for an explosion.
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