Alpha Will Try to Settle West Virginia Mine Blast Lawsuits

Alpha Natural Resources will try to negotiate settlement of 18 wrongful death lawsuits with families of men killed at West Virginia’s Upper Big Branch mine last year.

Virginia-based Alpha bought Massey Energy’s former operations in June.

The Wall Street Journal says the four-day meeting begins Jan. 6 at The Resort at Glade Springs in Daniels.

Alpha reached a $210 million settlement with the Department of Justice that spares the corporation criminal prosecution for the 29 deaths in April 2010. The deal wipes out 370 safety violations.

It also includes $46.5 million in restitution to the miners’ families, guaranteeing them and two survivors $1.5 million.

Those who accept can still sue, but the $1.5 million will be deducted from any settlement or award.