Massey CEO Blankenship expected to testify Dec. 14

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Massey CEO Blankenship expected to testify Dec. 14
(AP) – 25 minutes ago

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) — Massey Energy chief executive Don Blankenship is expected to honor an agreement to testify this month about the nation's worst coal mine disaster in decades despite his sudden retirement plans, investigators said Saturday.

The Virginia-based coal company announced late Friday that Blankenship, who has been chairman and chief executive since 2000, will retire effective Dec. 31. The modern-day coal baron who made millions for investors while turning countless neighbors into bitter enemies over environmental destruction has been with Massey since 1982 in a variety of roles.

Investigators want to question Blankenship about the April 5 explosion at the Upper Big Branch mine, which killed 29 and injured two. Unlike other Massey employees, who have refused to speak with investigators, Blankenship reached an agreement with state investigators to testify on Dec. 14. The interview will be closed to the public.

"My team of investigators need to talk to Mr. Blankenship," West Virginia mining chief C.A. Phillips said Saturday. "I hope he comes, but he may not."

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