Monday, March 16, 2015

1 MINE WORKER STRUCK BY FALLING ROCK, KILLED AT SW VIRGINIA MINE OF ALPHA NATURAL RESOURCES INC







MARCH 16, 2015

MCCLURE, VIRGINIA (AP)

Alpha Natural Resources Inc. says a worker at one of its affiliate mines in southwest Virginia has died after being struck by falling rock.

According to the Bristol, Virginia-based company, the incident occurred Monday morning at Deep Mine 41 near McClure. The mine is run by Paramont Coal Co.
Officials say 34-year-old David Brummitte of Pound was found around 5:10 a.m. Monday. He was pronounced dead at about 7:45 a.m. after being transported to the Dickenson Community Hospital in Clintwood.

Brummitte was a certified workplace examiner.  He had worked there for two years.

The company says preliminary information suggests that Brummitte was conducting a pre-shift exam when he was "struck by rock sloughing off the mine wall."  He must have been probing that lose rock to save his fellow co-worker’s life and instead he lost his.  RIP.

Authorities are working to secure the area in order to complete the investigation.

Alpha Chairman and CEO Kevin Crutchfield said, "Our thoughts and prayers are with David's family. Words cannot express how deeply saddened our company and community are by this tragic event."

Paramont Coal Company President Mike Clark said, "Our hearts go out to Mr. Brummitte's family and friends.  There does not appear to have been any eyewitnesses at the scene.  We are working diligently with state and federal agencies to confirm the circumstances of the accident." 

Paramont Coal Company representatives and state and federal investigators are currently securing the area to complete the accident investigation.

About Alpha Natural Resources

Alpha Natural Resources is one of the largest and most regionally diversified coal suppliers in the United States. With affiliate mining operations in Virginia, West Virginia, Kentucky, Pennsylvania and Wyoming, Alpha supplies metallurgical coal to the steel industry and thermal coal to generate power to customers on five continents.  


Consistent with its Running Right process, Alpha is committed to being a leader in mine safety and an environmental steward in the communities where its affiliates operate. For more information, visit Alpha's website (www.alphanr.com).  
SOURCE Alpha Natural Resources