W.Va., Labor Department pause to remember 2nd anniversary of worst coal mine disaster in 40 years

Two years ago today the worst coal mining disaster in 40 years happened in Raleigh County, West Virginia, at the Upper Big Branch underground mine. An explosion fueled by methane and coal dust tore through the mine, killing 29 miners. In the wake of the disaster, Massey Energy's longtime chief Don Blankenship resigned, and Alpha Natural Resources bought the company. Two high-level employees at the mine have been convicted, and Alpha has reached a settlement with the miners' families. The Associated Press reports Alpha will soon permanently seal the mine. Bore holes will be plugged and air shafts capped to prevent any access, and the company hopes to be finished by summer. (Charleston Gazette photo)

Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin has encouraged all West Virginians to observe a moment of silence today at 3:01 p.m., the time of the explosion, reports Chad Abshire of the Williamson Daily News. "Two years ago, a tragic mining accident forever separated families from their loved ones and shattered a community,” Tomblin said. “The 29 men who lost their lives were more than hard working miners; they were sons, brothers, fathers, friends and fellow West Virginians." U.S. Rep. Nick Rahall and U.S. Sens. Joe Manchin and Jay Rockefeller have also commemorated the anniversary of the disaster and called others to remember the 29 miners.

U.S. Labor Secretary Hilda Solis issued a statement, saying that the disaster was "the single most heartbreaking day" of her tenure, and that the Mine Safety and Health Administration has made changes to prevent similar disasters in the future. "On this sad occasion, I commit to ensuring the full human dignity of every coal miner by pursuing violators with the full force of the law," she said in the statement. "And I vow that those miners and families who suffered so grievously two years ago - and every day since - will never be far from my thoughts." (AP photo: After the disaster)

Several memorial events have been planned across the state. The Beckley-Raleigh County Chamber of Commerce and the Whitesville Miners Memorial Group will lay a wreath at the Raleigh County Courthouse at 3 p.m., reports Sarah Plummer of The Register-Herald. Several local officials and the local fire department will attend. The chamber is trying to install a permanent memorial at the courthouse.