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In a scathing report, the United Mine Workers condemns Massey Energy for its actions before the April 2010 explosion that killed 29 men.

Federal regulators discovered false reporting of accidents and injuries by mine operators.

A federal investigation of last year's deadly explosion at Massey Energy's Upper Big Branch coal mine finds choosing safety over production was a firing offense. It also reported alleged instances of falsification of official safety reports.

In its final report on the explosion that killed 29 mine workers, Massey Energy says it is not to blame, that the explosion was a "natural disaster." The company also takes to task an investigation by federal authorities.

°µºÚ±¬ÁÏ that Adkins was joining Alpha to oversee the newly-merged company's safety drew severe criticism from investigators and members of Congress who said he presided over one of the worst mining disasters. In an about-face, Alpha CEO Kevin Crutchfield told NPR Adkins would not be joining Alpha.

Massey Energy, which operated the West Virginia mine where 29 men died last year, is being absorbed by Alpha Natural Resources.

While the mining company says the allegation is "at best frivolous," the court documents filed by some institutional investors claim Alpha Natural Resources' takeover of the company would shield Massey executives from liability.

NPR and The Charleston Gazette asked for materials to be made public. The justices opened up the initial injunction request and the response to it filed by some Massey executives. Massey operated the West Virginia mine where 29 men died last year.

Massey operated the West Virginia mine where 29 men died in an April 2010 explosion. "The filings in this case likely will shed new light on Massey's acts and or omissions in relation to this tragedy," the NPR- Gazette motion argues.

Some Massey shareholders believe the takeover will kill their existing lawsuits against the company. The lawsuits accuse officers and board members of reckless, unsafe and negligent management.