Methane Monitors on UBB Longwall Face Operational

JULIAN, W.Va., Aug. 9 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- This past weekend, Massey Energy Company (NYSE: MEE) investigators joined representatives from the U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) and the West Virginia Office of Miners' Health, Safety and Training as they conducted a series of tests on the methane monitors used on the Upper Big Branch (UBB) longwall during the April 5 mine accident in Montcoal, WV. The tests concluded that the sensors and methane unit had not been disabled and were in working condition on the day of the mine explosion.

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"This weekend's thorough examination of the methane monitors from the UBB mine longwall face area conclusively confirms that the equipment was not tampered with or disabled," said Shane Harvey, Massey Energy's Vice President and General Counsel. "Additionally, the tests verified that on the day of the UBB mine accident, these sensors were in working condition and capable of automatically shutting down the longwall in the event that methane readings exceeded safety thresholds."

Massey Energy also responded to media reports that have suggested UBB methane monitors may have been disabled by having plastic bags placed over the sensor equipment while the longwall was operating. Harvey acknowledged these reports by stating, "all the evidence clearly indicates that the methane monitors were properly working and that no plastic bags or other impediments were put in place to prevent this equipment from functioning in compliance with MSHA mandates.  MSHA was present when the methane sensors were first examined and there were no plastic bags or other impediments present. "          

Company representatives confirmed that they continue to update families on the progress of the investigation and key evidentiary findings.  

Massey Energy Company, headquartered in Richmond, Virginia, with operations in West Virginia, Kentucky and Virginia, is the largest coal producer in Central Appalachia and is included in the S&P 500 Index.  

SOURCE Massey Energy Company

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