The deal, which was signed off on by an administrative law judge this week, involves penalties from 1,753 violations at five mines in the northern region of the state — including Blacksville No. 2, Robinson Run No. 95, Shoemaker, Loveridge No. 22 and McElroy — that MEC purchased nearly two years ago.
The initial assessment of the violations totaled $5.1 million.
The parties also agreed that the settled penalty amounts were reasonable “given the circumstances surrounding each affected citation/order and take into account the penalty criteria,” MSHA officials said, referring specifically to 30 CFR Part 100 and Section 110(i) of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 (Mine Act).
“This global settlement resolves MSHA violations issued prior to the Murray Energy purchase and operation of the mines, and brings a close to all related, outstanding litigation,” said Joe Main, assistant secretary for mine safety and health. “We believe this will allow Murray to focus its time and effort on current and future safety, health and compliance issues.”
MEC spokesman Gary Broadbent said that the company was pleased to resolve the citations.
“Murray Energy was not involved in the events or circumstances in this case, in any way, as it assumed the defense of these actions after its acquisition of Consolidation Coal Co. in December 2013,” he said.
