David Litvin, head of the Utah Mining Association and a member of the state commission, agreed with the executives' stance, noting safety has increased significantly over the years as technology and miner training have improved.

But Dennis O'Dell, safety and health director of the United Mine Workers of America, expressed reservations. He said that while most mine operators do their best to enhance safety, history has shown that profit can push some to forgo safety measures in an effort to bolster their bottom lines.

O'Dell advocated for the creation of a state mine-safety agency to help police the state mining industry and make it safer for the men and women who work in the mines.

Mike Dalpiaz, international vice president with the United Mine Workers of America, agreed.

"The state of Utah needs to get an agency with some teeth," he told the commission. "We have building inspectors, we have fish and game and wildlife, we have a ton of police officers and highway patrolmen. But we have no one watching coal mines."

Dalpiaz suggested that Utah could look to Alabama as an example of a successful state mine-safety agency.

Commission chairman Scott Matheson Jr. said the panel has a full plate of suggestions to consider.

"We have identified some things we need to get in front of the Legislature now that are important," Matheson said.

He said the commission has a strong consensus on the value of providing miners with education, training, testing and certification.

Matheson said the commission will spend the next 2 1/2 weeks reviewing 47 items on the panel's draft interim recommendation report. He said he hoped to present the final version to the governor by the start of the legislative session later this month.

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E-mail: jlee@desnews.com