{Charleston, West Virginia}...Alpha Natural Resources will try to negotiate settlement of 18 wrongful death lawsuits with families of men killed at the Upper Big Branch mine in April 2010. The four-day meeting begins January 6th at The Resort at Glade Springs in Daniels. Alpha recently reached a $210 million settlement with the Department of Justice that spares the corporation criminal prosecution, wipes out 370 safety violations and includes $46.5 million in restitution to the miners' families, guaranteeing them and two survivors $1.5 million. Those who accept can still sue, but the $1.5 million will be deducted from any settlement or award.
