According to the Register Herald, Alpha Natural Resources – which purchased UBB mine owner Massey Energy as well as the operation in a deal that closed last June – asked Brooks Run South human resources director Keith Cook to present a $US9000 check Wednesday to the Beckley-Raleigh County Chamber of Commerce.

He told the paper that Alpha wanted to help with the memorial, which has been seeking funds since shortly after the blast in Montcoal, Raleigh County, some 21 months ago.

“It was a terrible accident, not only in the coal industry, but in the nation as well,” he said.

“So to be able to support an effort to memorialize those who died, and those affected, is just something we really wanted to do and were able to do. We are proud to be able to do that and that we are in the position to give back.”

The chamber’s former board chairman Mick Bates said that the plans, which include a 36-by-36-inch metal photo plaque mounted on a standalone post and etched with the names of the killed miners as well as a brief history of the explosion, are now going to become reality. The money will now be paired with funds from the West Virginia Community Participation Grant and Beckley Area Foundation.

“This is going to happen,” he said.

“We have been working with the Raleigh County Commission and the Raleigh County Historical Landmark Commission, and through them, we’ve gained approval to place a historical mark on the courthouse lawn.”

The memorial is scheduled to be dedicated April 5, the second anniversary of the UBB explosion.