Julian, WV, July 1 – Massey Energy Company today issued the following statement in response to the charges brought against four miners at Aracoma for failure to conduct escapeway drills in 2005 and 2006.  
 
“Massey takes the requirement to conduct escapeway drills seriously and will monitor this situation closely.  We expect all of our miners to follow state and federal laws as well as company policies, which are often more stringent.  At the same time, we must recognize that the miners who have been charged have due process rights and are presumed innocent until proven guilty.”