Massey cited for violations at W.Va. mine

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Troubled coal producer Massey Energy Co. is in more hot water with safety regulators.

The U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration said Tuesday it cited Massey subsidiary Inman Energy for more than two dozen serious violations at the Randolph Mine in Boone County.

Massey says it's disappointed by the results of the inspection

MSHA says inspectors found miners working without mandatory ventilation equipment during a surprise inspection last Friday. The visit was the latest so-called "impact" inspection targeting troubled mines.

MSHA started the inspections after 29 miners died in an explosion at Massey's Upper Big Branch mine. The April 5, 2010 tragedy remains the target of criminal and civil investigations.

MSHA director Joe Main called the violations "outrageous" and says they could have caused a fire or explosion.