The families of the miners were being kept in seclusion, briefed by mine officials on the latest progress. In this small town, many miners know those trapped. Authorities refused to release details about the men, describing them as ranging in age from 20 to 40 years old. Four are Hispanic, two are Caucasian.

"They're people just like everybody," said one miner, who asked the Deseret Morning News not to use his name. "Real good, hardworking men."

Safety record

The mine is part of UtahAmerican Energy's Genwal complex. Its parent company is Ohio-based Murray Energy, which Murray said is about the fourth or fifth largest mining company in the country.

The company operates 11 mines throughout the country in Ohio, Illinois, Kentucky and Utah. There are 700 employees in Utah. The Genwal complex operation is its smallest, with about 71 employees.

The mine has had numerous safety violations since 2005, some of which were deemed by MSHA as "significant." An inspection of the mine last month turned up more violations. (See related story)

In Utah's coal country, the mines are big business. The Utah Division of Oil, Gas and Mining said Emery County has four active coal mines. All except one are in Huntington Canyon.

In 2000, two men were killed and eight others injured in an explosion at the Willow Creek Mine near Price. That mine has not reopened.

In 1984, the Wilberg Mine fire killed 27 people. In 1924, an explosion at the Castle Gate Mine killed 172 people. Utah's biggest mining tragedy was the 1900 Scofield mine disaster, claiming 200 lives.

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