MASSEY AND ICG HIT WITH FINES FOR MINER'S DEATHS

(07/25/2008)
Maximum fines have been levied against mine operators, International Coal Group and Massey Energy for safety violations investigators say contributed to the deaths of two miners in accidents last May.

West Virginia has levied the The Office of Miners' Health, Safety and Training said Thursday ICG was fined $10,000 each for two violations related to the May 30 death of a contract worker run over by equipment at a Barbour County mine.

Ira Gamm, spokesman for ICG says the company intends to contest the violations. ICG has operations in Illinois, Kentucky, West Virginia, Maryland and Virginia.

Massey Energy was fined $10,000 for a violation found during the investigation of a May 16 electrocution at a Logan County mine.

Massey spokesman Roger Hendriksen has declined to comment.

Massey Energy operates in West Virginia, Kentucky and Virginia.