W.Va. mine safety chief resigns, acting head named (mining investigation into the worst in 40 years)

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D9J8QAB82.htm

By TIM HUBER

CHARLESTON, W.Va.

West Virginia's mine safety chief has resigned amid the state's investigation into the worst U.S. coal mining disaster in 40 years.

Ron Wooten, who had led the Office of Miners' Health Safety and Training since August 2006, resigned on Wednesday. No reason was given for his departure, but Wooten had filed papers with the state Ethics Commission earlier this year requesting permission to seek a job in the state's coal industry.

Gov. Joe Manchin announced Wooten's departure and said C.A. Phillips would serve as the agency's acting director.

Phillips has been the agency's deputy director for the past 10 years. He started in the coal industry in 1969 and has worked for coal companies and held several positions with the United Mine Workers of America union.

The agency and the federal Mine Safety and Health Administration are investigating the April 5 explosion at Massey Energy Co.'s Upper Big Branch mine in Raleigh County. The explosion killed 29 and injured two.

Results of that investigation are not expected until next year, but preliminary information shows that methane and coal dust played a role. Massey disputes that coal dust was involved.

FULL story at link.