MSHA, Murray Energy reach global settlement of 1,753 violations
issued to five mines previously owned by Consol Energy

Judge approves settlement, Murray to pay $3.3 million in penalties

WASHINGTON — Resolving 1,753 safety violations at five northern West Virginia mines and an initial assessment of $5.1 million in federal fines, an administrative law judge has approved a settlement between the mines' new owner and the U.S. Department of Labor's Mine Safety and Health Administration.

The settlement calls for Ohio-based Murray Energy Corp. to pay $3.3 million for the violations issued to the mines and their previous owner, CONSOL Energy Inc. of Pittsburgh.

"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 Joseph A. Main, assistant secretary of labor 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."

The order by the administrative law judge with the Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission settles violations issued to the Blacksville No. 2, Robinson Run No. 95, Shoemaker, Loveridge No. 22 and McElroy Coal mines. Murray Energy purchased the mines in December 2013. The parties also agreed that settled penalty amounts are reasonable given the circumstances surrounding each affected citation/order and take into account the penalty criteria set forth at 30 C.F.R. Part 100 and Section 110(i) of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977.