Virginia-based Massey says the new plant should be fully operational by September. The Logan County operation will be renamed Zigmond Processing, after retired director Richard Zigmond.

Massey says the new plant will employ more than 480 people and process coal from six mines. The company didn't say Wednesday whether they will be union workers. The former Bandmill processing plant was one of the few Massey operations with employees represented by the United Mine Workers.

UMW spokesman Phil Smith says the union contract remains in effect and members will return.

Massey owns the Upper Big Branch mine, where 29 men were killed in an explosion April 5.

Company shares rose 19 cents to $37.50 in extended trading, after adding $2.03, or 5.8 percent, to $37.31 in regular trading.

Sourced from The Associated Press