FBI Investigating Massey Energy in Wake of Mine Explosion

Submitted by Robert Browman on May 1, 2010 - 11:47am EST
Listen to NPR's report on the investigation

National Public Radio is reporting that Massey Energy is being investigated as part of a criminal probe into bribery and negligence in the Upper Big Branch Mine explosion.

Via NPR:

NPR News has learned that the Mine Safety and Health Administration is one subject of a federal criminal investigation surrounding the explosion of the Upper Big Branch mine in West Virginia three weeks ago -- a disaster that killed 29 miners. The probe also looks at Massey Energy, the owner of the mine.

Sources familiar with the investigation say the FBI is looking into possible bribery of employees of the Mine Safety and Health Administration, the federal agency that inspects and regulates mining. The sources say FBI agents are also exploring potential criminal negligence on the part of Massey Energy, the owner of the Upper Big Branch mine.

NRP's story, including updates, is located here:
FBI Probing U.S. Officials And Massey, Owner Of W. Va. Mine Where 29 Died

The Coal War team has reported that some accuse the leadership at Massey Energy putting profit over safety. Read our profile of Massey Energy's controversial CEO:
Who's Minding the Mines? A profile of Massey CEO Don Blankenship

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Coal River Mountain is an ancient Appalachian cradle of rolling ridges and nestled hollows, which provide refuge to a variety of delicate wildlife species and a home to a uniquely American mountain culture. But just beneath the surface lays something that calls into question the mountain’s very survival: $4.3 billion worth of coal. Massey Energy holds permits to clear-cut 6,450 acres of hardwood forest on the mountain and to detonate thousands of tons of explosives. The blasts will topple debris into nine miles of streams below, destroying not just the mountain, but also the land and the way of life of those who live there. The people of Raleigh County, West Virginia are the ones who will suffer from the loss of their mountain to strip mining.

The Coal War is the story of a symbol and a struggle: one mountain destined to be destroyed by the coal industry and a courageous effort to bring renewable energy to the heartland of America.

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