Dozens of workers in a southern Illinois coal mine are hoping an administrative law judge gives their mine the go-ahead to resume full operations.

A hearing is taking place this week in St. Louis over the Mach Mine near Johnston City. At issue is a ventilation and roof-control plan devised under guidelines set by the federal Mine Safety and Health Administration. That's a regulatory division of the U.S. Department of Labor.

The company submitted the plans in February, and the 165-worker mine has laid off 24 workers while awaiting an answer. Sixty more jobs reportedly are at risk until the matter is resolved.

The mine opened in 2005.

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Information from the Marion Daily Republican, http://www.mariondaily.com