Three workplace safety and health experts will lead a research foundation formed by Alpha Natural Resources as part of a settlement agreement following the Upper Big Branch Mine accident. U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin, who worked out the deal with Alpha, said the foundation will be led by Keith Heasley of WVU, David Karmis of Virginia Tech and David Wegman of the University of Massachusetts-Lowell.
The company will provide $48 million in funds for independent research for improving coal mine safety and health. This panel will oversee the use and expenditure of these funds.