Richmond Times-Dispatch

DCSIMG
May 19, 12:14 PM EDT

W.Va. mine agency cites Alpha for 2012 fatality

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) -- Alpha Natural Resources faces a proposed $6,000 civil fine for a fatal accident at one of its West Virginia mines.

The Charleston Gazette (http://bit.ly/Z59HQk ) reports that the West Virginia Office of Miners' Health, Safety and Training cited Alpha for modifying a scoop. A state rule prohibits equipment modifications that limit visibility.

Mine safety inspectors found that storage boxes and a welder had been installed on the scoop's frame.

Steven O'Dell of Mount Nebo was killed in November 2012 when he was caught between a scoop and a continuous mining machine at the Pocahontas Mine A White Buck Portal in Greenbrier County. The mine is owned by Virginia-based Alpha subsidiary White Buck Coal Co.

An Alpha spokesman says the company hasn't decided whether to appeal the citation.

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Information from: The Charleston Gazette, http://www.wvgazette.com

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