Massey Looks To Idle Its Freedom Energy Mine (MEE)

After the bell today, Massey Energy Company MEE confirmed that the Mine Safety and Health Administration has filed a lawsuit in federal district court in Kentucky seeking to close the company's Freedom Energy Mine No. 1 until alleged safety hazards can be corrected. Massey does not believe the mine is unsafe. However, due to the mine's age and size, the company is considering idling the mine until it can ensure that the mine will meet current MSHA standards. Massey Energy Company is a coal producer in the United States. It produces processes and sells bituminous coal of various steam and metallurgical grades, primarily of low sulfur content, through the 23 processing and shipping centers. At January 31, 2010, the company operated 56 mines, including 42 underground mines and 14 surface mines in West Virginia, Kentucky and Virginia.