Mine Shields LLC, a start-up company that manufactures mine refuge chambers, will build a 60,000-square-foot plant in Lancaster, Kentucky. The company will invest $3 million and create 35 full-time jobs within six months of operation. The news comes after a mine explosion at the Massey Energy Company in West Virginia on April 5 that killed at least 25 miners.

"Mine Shields is the only manufacturer of metal refuge chambers in Kentucky, and one of only five in the United States," said Connie Hendren, CEO of Mine Shields LLC. "We believe Garrard County is a natural fit for our product."

The Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority preliminarily approved Mine Shields for tax incentives up to $950,000 through the Kentucky Business Investment program. It also approved Mine Shields for up to $18,000 in tax benefits under the Kentucky Enterprise Initiative Act.

Mine Shields will produce mine refuge chambers that meet Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) standards, that have the capacity to secure the survival of miners for at least 96 hours. It expects to produce 500 units annually.