Most W.Va. coal operators will stand down Friday, honoring request to refocus on safety

Most W.Va. coal operators will stand down Friday

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Most West Virginia coal operators will honor Gov. Joe Manchin’s request to cease production for a day and use the time to focus on safety training and maintenance.

Friday’s production halt will honor 29 miners killed in the April 5 explosion at Massey Energy’s Upper Big Branch Mine.

West Virginia Coal Association President Bill Raney says his members represent about 85 percent of the state’s coal production, and none has expressed concern about lost production or revenue.

He says everyone wants to ensure there are no more accidents.

Massey said Wednesday a work stoppage was an appropriate way to honor the dead, but did not elaborate on how it would address safety.

Virginia-based Massey isn’t a member of the coal association.