The Associated Press
CHARLESTON — The coal industry is in an era of change that industry leaders and regulators are discussing at the West Virginia Coal Association's annual mining symposium in Charleston.
The head of the Mine Safety and Health Administration will tell operators what to expect in 2012 on Thursday, while Virginia's Alpha Natural Resources will talk about its own initiatives.
Alpha bought Massey Energy last summer and has agreed to a federal settlement that could lead to new safety and technology programs.
The deal stemmed from the 2010 explosion of the Upper Big Branch mine.
Also set to appear are Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin and state Senate President Jeff Kessler.
The three-day meeting wraps up Friday with appearances from U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin and a panel discussion of the Obama administration's mining policies.
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