The mine is operated by Kingston Mining, a subsidiary of Alpha Natural Resources.

Alpha said the fatal coal mining incident occurred on March 10, at about 6.15pm.

The victim has been identified as Jeremy Sigler, a miner with ten years experience. He had been employed with Kingston Mining since 2004.

A US Mine Safety and Health Administration spokesman told ILN the fatality took place after a rib rolled on Sigler, who had been operating a continuous mining machine at the time.

Following the incident, members of the section crew administered CPR before transporting him outside.

Sigler was taken to Raleigh General Hospital in Beckley where he was later pronounced dead.

Both the MSHA and the West Virginia Office of Miners Health, Safety and Training are undertaking an investigation into the death.

Kingston Mining president Charlie Bearse said the company was deeply saddened by the loss of Sigler.

“In this sad time our prayers and heartfelt condolences go to Mr Sigler's family,” he said.

“While the mine is idled we will work closely with the outside investigators to determine how and why the accident occurred.”

Alpha is providing counselling to Sigler’s fellow miners to help them deal with the loss.

According to the MSHA, the death marks the second fatality in a US coal mine this year. The industry body recorded 21 deaths from coal mines in 2011.

The Kingston complex is comprised of two underground mines which have an annual output of 1 million tons of medium-volatile metallurgical coal.