West Virginia Mine Agency Cites Alpha for 2012 Fatality

Alpha Natural Resources faces a proposed $6,000 civil fine for a fatal accident at one of its West Virginia mines.

The Charleston Gazette 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.