JULIAN, W.Va., May 19, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Massey Energy
Company (NYSE: MEE) today released the following statement
regarding the release of Davitt
McAteer's report on the Upper Big Branch (UBB) mine
explosion:
"We have just received Davitt
McAteer's report and are carefully reviewing it. We do have
some initial observations.
"We agree with Mr. McAteer that the industry needs to examine
whether it can achieve better methane monitoring
technology. At UBB, all methane monitors were functional and
yet the mine experienced a massive inundation of methane-rich
natural gas that was not detected in time to prevent the
explosion. We have been examining where improvements in
methane monitoring can be made and we hope to develop some better
technologies as a result of our investigation.
"We disagree with Mr. McAteer's conclusion that this was an
explosion fueled by coal dust. Again, we believe that the
explosion was caused by a massive inundation of methane-rich
natural gas. Our experts feel confident that coal dust did not play
an important role. Our experts continue to study the UBB explosion
and our goal is to find answers and technologies that ultimately
make mining safer."
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.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS: Certain statements in this statement
constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of
Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section
21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and are
intended to come within the safe harbor protection provided by
those sections. Any forward-looking statements are also subject to
a number of assumptions regarding, among other things, future
economic, competitive and market conditions. These assumptions are
based on facts and conditions as they exist at the time such
statements are made as well as predictions as to future facts and
conditions, the accurate prediction of which may be difficult and
involve the assessment of circumstances or events beyond our
control. We disclaim any intent or obligation to update these
forward-looking statements unless required by securities law, and
we caution the reader to not rely on them unduly. Additional
information can be found in press releases and Massey's public
filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including
Massey's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010, which was filed on
March 1, 2011, and subsequently filed
interim reports.
SOURCE Massey Energy Company
