Don Blankenship faces four federal charges , including conspiracy and making false statements . In December 2011 , it settled with the Justice Department for a record $ 209 million in fines , penalties and compensation for families of the men killed at Upper Big Branch . He investigated the West Virginia mine that exploded in 2010 , killing two miners . Blankenship 's attorney says he will face the charges , and be acquitted . The Upper Big Hole disaster was one of the worst U.S. mine disasters in decades .
Don Blankenship faces four federal charges , including conspiracy and making false statements . He investigated the West Virginia mine that exploded in 2010 , killing two miners . Blankenship 's attorney says he will face the charges , and be acquitted . The Upper Big Hole disaster was one of the worst U.S. mine disasters in decades .