A FORMER coal boss was indicted for conspiracy on Thursday night for his role in the Upper Big Branch (UBB) mine disaster of April 2010, which saw 29 miners killed in an underground explosion.

Don Blakenship, nicknamed “the dark lord of coal county” as chief executive of now defunct Massey Energy, is the the highest-ranking coal industry boss to face federal charges in the investigation so far.

The indictment says the CEO “knew that UBB was committing hundreds of safety law violations every year and had the ability to prevent most of them.

“Yet he fostered and participated in an understanding that perpetuated UBB’s practise of routine safety violations in order to produce more coal, avoid the costs of following safety laws and make more money.”

The Mine Safety and Health Administration said the deadly blast was caused by Massey Energy’s “systematic, intentional and aggressive efforts” to conceal “life-threatening problems.”

Mr Blakenship denies all charges.