The main portals were driven into the lower O'Connor coal seam in a westerly direction and consist of five drift openings. The mains were developed to the west with submains and panels driven to the south by the room and pillar method of mining. The mine has three radio remote control continuous mining machine sections for development and retreat. Electric shuttle cars are used to haul material from the face to the belt conveyor system, which transports material out of the mine. Diesel powered equipment is used for cleanup, hauling material, and transporting personnel.
Production is two shifts per day and maintenance one shift per day.
The mine rotates schedules every other week from five days to six days a week. The average coal production is 5,000 tons per day. The last Mine Safety and Health Administration regular safety and health inspection, prior to the accident, was conducted from August 28 to December 6, 1995. The normal material haulage vehicle was an Eimco Model 975 5th wheel unit, which had been out of service about two weeks for repair of the front axle. Fox instructed Popejoy to use an Eimco Model 975 mantrip to haul stopping material.