Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SUNDAY, June 11, 1995                   TAG: 9506120069
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: C-10   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: ABINGDON                                LENGTH: Short

3 INDICTED ON MINING CHARGES

The alleged violations occurred in September 1993 at a mine operated by Key West Mining Inc., according to the indictments returned Thursday.

James Earl Vandyke, a foreman from Vansant, was indicted on four counts ``of willfully failing to follow mandatory safety standards'' and one count of making false statements in a record book, according to a statement Friday from the U.S. Attorney's Office in Roanoke.

Rex Mullins, a section foreman from Tazewell, was indicted on three safety violation charges and one count of making false statements in a record book.

Noah Lee Vandyke, also of Vansant, was indicted on one count of making a false statement, and one of ``aiding and abetting'' in making a false statement in a record book. Prosecutors said he is the owner and operator of Key West Mining.

The grand jury alleges that James Earl Vandyke failed to conduct a preshift examination, and that he and Mullins did not follow the mine's ventilation or roof-control plans. A preliminary hearing date has not been set.