MSHA/Alpha Natural Resources Reach Agreement

{Charleston, West Virginia}...The Upper Big Branch mine was owned by Massey Energy when 29 miners were killed and two others were injured, but it was recently purchased by Alpha Natural Resources. Tuesday, Alpha reached an agreement with federal investigators to spend $209 million in fines, victim restitution and mine safety programs. The agreement includes $46.5 million in criminal restitution to the UBB miners' families, $128 million to fund mine safety upgrades, research and training and $34.8 million in penalties for federal mine safety violations. Alpha will also place $48 million in a research trust, and dedicate $80 million to improve safety at all of its underground mines with newer technology and equipment. Part of the settlement includes a requirement to audit its underground mines and address any violations or errors within 90 days. The deal would resolve any liability on behalf of the company, but individual officers and employees of Massey would still be exposed to criminal charges.