Feds cite Massey mines for dozens of violations

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Massey Energy Co. has been hit with more than 80 citations for safety violations uncovered in the latest round of special inspections by federal regulators.

The Mine Safety and Health Administration said Monday that the Massey citations are among 166 issued at eight mines in five states during special inspections in February.

The agency started the so-called impact inspections after 29 miners were killed in an explosion at Massey's Upper Big Branch mine in West Virginia on April 5, 2010.

Four Massey mines in West Virginia, Virginia and Kentucky were subjected to impact inspections in February. The mines accounted for more than half the violations issued nationally during impact inspections for the month. A spokesman for Virginia-based Massey had no immediate comment.