TASK FORCE TO INVESTIGATE EXTENT OF DRUG USE IN MINES

FRANKFORT, Ky. - The nation's top mine-safety official said yesterday that
two Kentucky mining deaths tied to drug use underscore the need to consider
a law or policy to require drug testing of coal miners.

Dave Lauriski, head of the U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration, said
no one knows how many miners are working under the influence of drugs
because state and federal laws do not allow mandatory testing.

"Keeping drugs and alcohol out of mines is a very high priority for our
agency," Lauriski said yesterday at a news conference with state mining
officials, who said they would create a task force - which will include
industry, labor and government representatives from Kentucky, Virginia and
West Virginia - to address the issue.

LaJuana Wilcher, secretary of the state Environmental and Public Protection
Cabinet, said the group would compile data to quantify the problem's extent.

The Kentucky Mining Board has endorsed legislation that would allow state
inspectors to test miners and is expected to recommend a plan to the
General Assembly in January.

Two Kentucky miners who were killed in underground accidents in the past 17
months tested positive for drugs, according to coroners' toxicology reports.