ARLINGTON, Va. (AP) — In the wake of 20 U.S. mining fatalities since October, federal regulators are stepping up safety discussions with the nation’s mines.

The Mine Safety and Health Administration said Wednesday it will conduct visits to coal, metal and nonmetal mines to increase awareness of recent fatalities and encourage operators and miners to remain vigilant for unsafe conditions.

MSHA says the discussion topics will include task training, mine examinations, the causes of fatal mine accidents and the best practices to avoid accidents.

Inspectors will continue to look for the types of conditions that led to recent mining deaths and use their enforcement authority.

MSHA and mining industry officials discussed safety issues May 5 at the agency’s headquarters in Arlington. MSHA also held a conference call last week.

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