This article originally provided by WCHS-TV

May 24, 2005

Two protesters arrested at coal prep plant

SUNDIAL, W.Va.

Two protesters were arrested today after they tried to deliver demands that Massey Energy close a coal preparation plant behind a Raleigh County elementary school.

Several dozen residents gathered at the entrance to Massey subsidiary Goals Coal Company. Goals operates a preparation plant, silo and storage facility near Marsh Fork Elementary School.

State Police arrested two protesters on trespassing charges after they tried to enter company property to read a list of demands for Massey. They were later released.

According to Mountain Justice Summer, a group opposed to mountaintop removal mining, the residents want Massey to close the preparation plant and clean up the school or build a new one in their community.

They also want Massey to withdraw an application for a second coal loading silo behind the school and halt blasting operations near their homes.