Officials said in a US Securities and Exchange Commission filing that the first order was given to Rockspring Development’s Camp Creek processing plant near East Lynn on December 4.

The US Mine Safety and Health Administration alleged an explosive mixture of methane and oxygen was present inside a 12-foot by 15-foot structure housing a dewatering pump.

The area was isolated, the producer said, and away from the plant’s work sites.

“Subsequent MSHA inspections showed no explosive mixture present in the pump house,” the producer said.

On December 5, the Rockspring subsidiary received another federal imminent danger order for a similar condition, this time an alleged explosive mixture of methane and oxygen in a sealed area of the Camp Creek mine, also near East Lynn.

“Upon investigation, MSHA determined an explosive mixture was not present in the sealed areas of the mine and that the order had been issued in error,” Alpha officials said in the filing.

As a result, it was vacated the same day.

No injuries occurred as a result of the conditions cited, the company said.

Alpha did not release any further comment on the incidents beyond the filing.

Imminent danger orders are issued by MSHA under section 107(a) of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act, also known as the Mine Act.

The Rockspring complex was originally a Foundation Coal operation. Alpha acquired Foundation in July 2009.

The last two weeks have been unfortunate for the Virginia-based producer.

On November 30 officials confirmed the death of one of its electricians, Steven O’Dell, at the Pocahontas mine in Green Valley, West Virginia, after he was struck by a scoop.