Massey stops work on its first mine in Western Ky.

"Controversial coal-mining giant Massey Energy Co. had been quietly developing a new underground mine in McLean County in what would apparently be its first operation in Western Kentucky," Chuck Stinnett writes for The Gleaner in Henderson. "But the company recently suspended development on its Delaware Mine, according to the federal Mine Safety and Health Administration."

An MSHA spokeswoman told Stinnett, "The mine was projected to start production sometime in 2012, but the recent delay may push that date into 2013," and a Massey spokesman said, "The company is still evaluating the reserves and has not finalized a potential mine plan." (Read more)