West Virginia News

Computer Error Kept West Virginia Mine from Receiving Safety Warning

A computer error prevented the West Virginia coal mine where 29 workers died in an explosion last week from receiving a warning about safety violations and a demand that the operator improve conditions in 90 days, according to federal officials. …

Senate Hearings to Explore Federal Mine Safety Regulation Flaws

The Senate plans to explore weaknesses in federal mine safety laws when it convenes the first of a series of hearings this month on the deadly mining disaster in West Virginia. Iowa Sen. Tom Harkin says the Health, Education, Labor …

West Virginia Mine Panel Seeks Greater Role in Massey Investigation

The West Virginia panel that writes mining safety rules wants to join state and federal inspectors underground as they work to figure out what caused last week’s explosion that killed 29 men. Typically, the state Board of Coal Mine Health …

West Virginia Mine Death Toll Reaches 29; Grieving Begins

Time stopped five days ago for the families of 29 coal miners killed in the devastating explosion at Upper Big Branch mine. As thousands waited, hoping for any word someone might have survived Monday’s blast, life in coal country chugged …

West Virginia Mine Accident Could Spur New Regulations

The U.S. mining industry may face additional regulations following this week’s deadly explosion at a West Virginia coal mine. Key lawmakers have vowed to look into the accident at Massey Energy’s Upper Big Branch Mine, which killed at least 25 …

Massey Has Insurance for Mine Blast But Not for Business Interruption

Massey Energy Co. said Friday it will increase coal production at its other mines to compensate for production lost at the West Virginia mine where at least 25 miners died in a blast this week. It expects to reopen the …

Massey Mines’ Fight Safety Violations, Fines Go Unpaid

The company that runs the West Virginia mine where an explosion killed at least 25 workers frequently sidesteps hefty fines by aggressively contesting safety violations, including recent problems with the ventilation system that clears away combustible methane gas. Bombarding federal …

Some Miners Say Massey Energy Lax on Safety; Other Locals Defend Firm

The company that owns the West Virginia mine where at least 25 workers died in the worst U.S. mining disaster for a quarter century puts profits ahead of workers welfare, some former employees said Wednesday. Questions have been raised about …

West Virginia Hoping for a Miracle in Mine Rescue

Drills boring into a West Virginia coal mine Wednesday carried hope for a “miracle” rescue of four miners missing after a blast killed 25 people in the worst U.S. mine disaster in a quarter century. The explosion happened Monday at …

At Least 25 Dead in West Virginia Coal Mine Blast

An explosion ripped through a West Virginia coal mine owned by Massey Energy, killing at least 25 miners in the deadliest U.S. mining disaster since 1984. Governor Joe Manchin said Tuesday morning that four miners remained missing deep underground and …