Massey Energy Says Upper Big Branch Mine Floor is Cracked

Aug. 12, 2010 -- Massey Energy says it has proof of a crack in the Upper Branch Big mine floor.

"Records and pictures taken by MSHA's own officials confirm the presence of a crack in the UBB mine floor," stated Massey Energy's Vice President and General Counsel Shane Harvey.

"MSHA officials are the only personnel permitted to take photographs and collect evidence from the UBB mine and their own documentation indicates that there is a crack on the longwall tailgate."

However, Mine Safety and Health Administration Chief Joe Main told reporters investigators hadn't yet reached conclusions into the causes of the explosion at Massey's Upper Big Branch mine and would not speculate. Federal and state officials, joined by Massey representatives, began an underground examination of the Upper Big Branch mine in Montcoal, W. Va., around the end of June after initially being deterred by conditions that followed the April 5 explosion.

For more news on Massey Energy's claim, visit Mining Industry Today:
Massey Energy news - http://mining.einnews.com/news/mining-massey-energy

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