In 2002 Massey Energy was ordered to pay $50 million to Harman Mining Corporation after a contractual dispute that began in 1997 and ultimately lead to the bankruptcy of Harman.
Harman Mining Corporation launched actions in Virginia and West Virginia against the mining giant, and the Virginia case settled in 2001 with a $6 million judgement awarded to Harman.
Massey Energy lodged an appeal against the West Virginian ruling that "with interest" saw Massey potentially liable for $76 million.
In siding with Massey's appeal, the Supreme Court agreed the court case settled between the companies in Virginia should have ended the matter, as it was filed for the same dispute.
Massey Energy has paid the entire balance of the initial $6 million settlement.
