On April 5, 2010, an explosion at the Upper Big Branch mine in Raleigh County killed 29 miners and seriously injured another. It was the worst mining disaster in the state since 1968.

The mine was run by Massey Energy. An independent investigation found that sparks from equipment ignited methane gas, setting off a chain of explosions. The report blamed poor safety practices, saying the disaster was preventable and that Massey ignored rules to increase production.

Massey's president, Don Blankenship, later resigned and was convicted of a misdemeanor for violating safety standards. He served one year in prison. The company was fined millions of dollars, and eventually filed for bankruptcy in 2015.