What happened at Upper Big Branch Mine?
The Upper Big Branch Mine disaster occurred on April 5, 2010 roughly 1,000 feet (300 m) underground in Raleigh County, West Virginia at Massey Energy’s Upper Big Branch coal mine located in Montcoal. Twenty-nine out of thirty-one miners at the site were killed. The coal dust explosion occurred at 3:27 pm.
What caused UBB explosion?
Federal mine safety investigators determined that a buildup of methane gas and coal dust led to the explosion at the Massey Energy-owned mine. It was the worst mine disaster in 40 years. Massey CEO Don Blankenship was convicted in December 2015 of conspiracy to violate mine safety and health standards.
What is the biggest mine disaster?
On April 26, 1942, during World War II, in the Benxihu (Honkeiko) coal mine in Liaoning Province, China, what is believed to be the worst mining disaster in history took the lives of over 1,500 people.
How many people died in the Upper Big Branch mine?
twenty-nine miners
The Upper Big Branch Miners Memorial is dedicated to twenty-nine miners who lost their lives in an explosion at the Upper Big Branch Coal Mine on April 5th, 2010, to the first responders and mine rescuers that put themselves in harm’s way to come to the aid of their fellow man and to all individuals who have suffered …
Who survived the Sago Mine disaster?
Randal L. McCloy Jr.
Of the thirteen miners, Randal L. McCloy Jr., 26, was the only survivor from those trapped at the Sago mine. He was removed from the site at approximately 1:30 a.m. on January 4, and transported to St. Joseph’s Hospital (Buckhannon, West Virginia).
Who owned Massey Energy?
Alpha Natural Resources
Massey Energy
Type | Public company |
---|---|
Founded | 1920 in Richmond, Virginia |
Fate | Acquired by Alpha Natural Resources |
Headquarters | Richmond, Virginia, U.S. |
Key people | Baxter Phillips, President and CEO Christopher Adkins, SVP & COO John Poma, VP & CAO Shane Harvey, VP & General Counsel |
How do coal mines explode?
Coal mine explosions are generally caused by either methane or coal dust. Methane gas is a byproduct of coal. It can build up over time in coal mines when there are not enough other types of gases to dilute it to prevent an explosion. Air can explode when it contains 5 to 15 percent methane.
What happened Massey Energy?
In January 2011, it was announced that Massey Energy company would be bought by competitor Alpha Natural Resources for $7.1 billion. More than 99% of Massey shareholders and 98% of Alpha shareholders voted in favor of the acquisition and courts in Delaware and West Virginia agreed with the shareholders’ vote.
What happened Massey coal?
Sale of Massey to Alpha On June 1, 2011, shareholders of Alpha Natural Resources agreed to buy Massey Energy for $7.1 billion, making it the nation’s largest metallurgical coal company.
Who bought Massey coal?
NEW YORK/CHICAGO (Reuters) – Alpha Natural Resources said on Saturday it agreed to a $7.1 billion deal to buy Massey Energy Co, which was rocked by a deadly coal mining accident last year.
What are mine explosions?
Explosions in underground mines and surface processing facilities are caused by accumulations of flammable gas and/or combustible dust mixed with air in the presence of an ignition source.
What Explosives are used in mining?
ANFO, ammonium nitrate and fuel oil, is the most common explosive. ANFO, pound for pound is as powerful as dynamite and is less expensive per pound and less sensitive to initiation and therefore safer to use.
Is mining safe in India?
India’s mines are dangerous by any standard, with one mine worker dying every six days on average in 2017, according to government data. So it’s no surprise that India is one of the world’s most dangerous countries to be a coal miner.
Who is chief inspector in mines?
(1) Chief Inspector and Inspector – The Central Government may, by notification in the official Gazette, appoint such a person as possesses the prescribed qualifications to be Chief Inspector of mines for all the territories to which this Act extends and such persons as possess the prescribed qualifications to be …
Where are the posters for the Upper Big Branch explosion?
Curtis Johnson/The Herald-Dispatch The sign is taped Wednesday, April 7, 2010, to the Walker’s mailbox along W.Va. 3 in Eunice, W.Va. The sign is just one of many homemade posters that offer support to grieving families in the aftermath of a massive explosion at the Upper Big Branch mine in neighboring Montcoal, W.Va.
How many people died in the Upper Big Branch mine explosion?
Twenty-nine out of thirty-one miners at the site were killed. Authorities survey the scene of a mine explosion at the Upper Big Branch Mine, in Montcoal, W.Va., on Monday, April 5, 2010.
Where are the mine portals for the Upper Big Branch mine?
Emergency crews initially gathered at one of the portals for the Upper Big Branch Mine in Birchton, West Virginia, about 2 miles north of Montcoal and 3 miles south of Whitesville on Route 3 (on the west side of the road).
What time did the coal mine explosion happen?
The coal dust explosion occurred at 3:27 pm. The accident was the worst in the United States since 1970, when 38 miners were killed at Finley Coal Company ‘s No. 15 and 16 mines in Hyden, Kentucky. A state funded independent investigation later found Massey Energy directly responsible for the blast.