15 Quotes by Davitt McAteer

Several of the miners' families asked for a postponement until the federal and state investigative teams have developed more information. After consultation with investigators and state legislators, I concurred. It's a complex investigation and, as the miners' families have said, it's more important to determine the facts carefully and thoroughly than to act before all the facts are in.

But China lacks an inspection force that can come in and shut down operations when the conditions demand it. They'll say they close lots (of unsafe mines), but they're not really serious.

Historically, investigations of mine disasters in the United States have never involved the families of the victims. That era ends today.

I think that the question of the existence of the chamber that provided oxygen, food and protection is fundamentally important in any kind of a mine.

Ordinarily, violations occur on a regular basis. On any inspection, you'll find some. This is not a very huge mine. As the numbers grow in volume, it's something management has to address.

Time is our enemy again the lack of communication and the lack of the ability to know where the location is are the two strongest factors that give us concern.

There has been no place for families in investigations of mining accidents, and that day is over.

To deal with the problem, it takes manpower and constraints on the production track.

This isn't an easy accident to dissect. I don't think anybody has the answer yet.