SUBSTANCE ABUSE IN MINES

The Courier-Journal is to be commended for focusing attention on the
problem of substance abuse in mines. As you have reported a number of times
in your newspaper, there appears to be an increasing incidence of substance
abuse in mining operations, which presents a safety and health concern not
only for the abuser, but also for other miners.

At the same time, your April 5 editorial seriously misrepresents the
efforts of the Mine Safety and Health Administration to address this issue.
In fact, MSHA has taken a leadership role, within the bounds of our
statutory authority, to stop drug and alcohol abuse in mining operations in
Kentucky and throughout the country.

We recently joined forces with the Commonwealth of Kentucky in a
multi-state task force to address drug abuse in the southern Appalachian
region, including Kentucky. The Courier-Journal reported favorably on our
announced joint effort in October 2004, and highlighted the results of our
first anti-drug summit in December 2004. MSHA staff continue to work with
the Commonwealth of Kentucky in finding ways to stop dangerous drug abuse
in mines.

MSHA's goal is to ensure that every miner goes home safe and healthy at the
end of every shift, every day. We applaud Kentucky's efforts to eliminate
drugs from the mining workplace and are working collaboratively to support
these important efforts.

JOHN R. CORRELL, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Operations

Mine Safety and Health Administration, U.S. Department of Labor

Arlington, Va. 22209