Associated Press - June 30, 2009 7:15 AM ET

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) - The state mine inspector and the Wyoming Mining Association have recognized underground mines in Sweetwater and Weston counties for their safety records last year.

The Osage Mine is owned by Rock Well Petroleum, and the Big Island Mine is owned by OCI Wyoming.

The Wyoming Mining Association recently recognized large and small mines in the state that had the lowest lost-time accident rates in 2008.

The Osage Mine in Weston County had no lost-time accidents to win recognition among small underground mines, while the Big Island Mine in Sweetwater County had one nonfatal accident to win the large-mine recognition.

The accident rates were compiled by the state Division of Mine Inspections and Safety.

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