West Virginia mine safety News

Injury Rates Jump at Coal Giant Murray’s West Virginia Mines

Injury rates have more than doubled at five West Virginia coal mines acquired by Murray Energy Corp. in 2013, according to a Reuters review of federal data, as the firm sharply increased the amount of coal produced per manhour. Although …

West Virginia to Receive $524K in Grants for Mine Safety Courses

The West Virginia Office of Miners’ Health, Safety and Training will receive more than $524,000 in federal funds for training courses aimed at reducing mining accidents, injuries and illnesses. The Mine Safety and Health Administration announced the grants July 6. …

Defense Rests in West Virginia Mine Blast Trial, Blankenship Stays Mum

Former Massey Energy Chief Donald Blankenship won’t take the witness stand to explain what happened when a company mine exploded in 2010 killing 29 workers, choosing instead to leave his fate in the hands of jurors at his criminal trial …

Blankenship Pleads Not Guilty to Charges Linked to Massey Mine Explosion

Former Massey Energy chief Donald Blankenship pleaded not guilty to charges linked to the West Virginia mine explosion that killed 29 workers in the worst U.S. coal industry disaster in almost 40 years. The former executive, 64, once a powerful …

Massey Ex-CEO Blankenship Faces Criminal Charges Over 2010 Mine Explosion

The former Massey Energy chief, scorned by regulators and a U.S. senator, may face three decades in prison if convicted of charges stemming from a West Virginia mine explosion that killed 29 workers, the worst U.S. coal industry accident in …

West Virginia Mine Disciplines Managers After Black Lung Risk Exposed

Rhino Eastern LLC changed management at its Eagle Mine 3 after inspectors warned that coal miners faced the risk of deadly explosions and developing black lung disease. The company acknowledged falling short of safety standards. Rhino Eastern also took other …

West Virginia Mine Board Approves Detection System Rule

A new state mine safety rule will require coal operators to install detection systems that automatically shut down continuous mining machines when people get too close. The rule gives companies until July 1, 2017, to install proximity detection systems on …

West Virginia Mine Regulators Urge More Safety Reforms

West Virginia mining regulators are calling for more reforms to protect coal miners’ health and safety. A report from the Office of Miners’ Health, Safety and Training recommends tougher state standards to prevent explosions and revised inspection and enforcement measures. …

West Virginia Lawsuit Pushes Mandatory Safety Devices in Coal Mines

Two West Virginia agencies should force coal operators to install detectors that automatically shut down mobile machinery in mines when people get too close, according to a lawsuit. Mountain State Justice lawyers filed an emergency petition last Friday with the …

Most West Virginia Mines Lack Automatic Shutdown Systems on Machinery: Report

Four percent of underground equipment in West Virginia coal mines are fitted with detectors that automatically shut down mobile machinery when people get too close, according to a state survey. The Charleston Gazette reported the state Office of Miners’ Health, …