ICG Objects to UMWA Intervention in Sago Accident Investigation

BUCKHANAN, W.Va., Jan. 18 /PRNewswire/ -- The following statement was issued by International Coal Group, Inc. (NYSE: ICO) :

International Coal Group is committed to a speedy, full and fair investigation of the Sago mine accident and, of course, our thoughts and prayers remain with the families and co-workers. ICG has worked closely with state and federal officials every step of the way -- from the initial rescue efforts, to the interviews with employees that began yesterday, to the planning for mine re-entry that should occur within the next few days. Our goal is to determine the true cause of this accident and means for preventing similar occurrences.

However, the United Mine Workers of America now seeks to interfere with the investigation that is being conducted by federal and state mine regulatory agencies. The UMWA is attempting to manipulate a provision of the federal regulations that permits two miners to designate an organization as their representative even if that organization does not represent the employees at the mine. The UMWA does not represent the plus 150 employees of the Sago Mine, and they have no familiarity or knowledge of the Sago Mine that will benefit the investigation in the fashion normally anticipated of a miner's representative. The UMWA seeks to interfere with the investigation in order to exploit the tragedy at the Sago Mine for their own purposes in an effort to revive organizing efforts that have floundered for more than a decade.

We believe the UMWA's attempt to influence the investigation will only interfere with efforts by state and federal agencies to determine the true cause of this tragic accident. The state and federal authorities are fully capable of conducting a comprehensive investigation, unencumbered by the UMWA's ulterior motives.

ICG remains focused on assisting in a full and complete investigation by the appropriate regulatory authorities.

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