Murray absent from news conference at Crandall Canyon Mine

His absence was conspicuous.

Bob Murray, the outspoken owner of the Crandall Canyon Mine, did not appear at a news conference today to discuss the deaths of three rescue workers and the injuries of six others.

"Because of Mr. Murray's involvement in the rescue effort, I'm certain you can understand that he wanted to be here," said Rob Moore, the vice-president of Murray Energy Corp.

UtahAmerican Energy, which runs the mine, said that Murray ran into the mine shortly after the collapse and helped rescue some of the trapped miners.

Yet when reporters and even a heckler asked to know where Murray was, Moore did not respond.

In a statement issued this afternoon, UtahAmerican Energy indicated that Murray will not likely be speaking to reporters for some time.

"As a result of Mr. Murray's direct participation in the recovery of the affected miners and his deep concern and commitment to all Murray Energy employees, the contacts listed above will be handling all media contacts in the future," the statement said.

A call to Murray Energy Corp. and UtahAmerican Energy officials who are designated to speak to reporters have so far not been returned.

Murray has been the face of the mine disaster since it began Aug. 6. He has appeared at numerous news conferences, showing his pride in his employees who have been working non-stop since the six miners became trapped.

He has also been combative, sparring with seismologists over earthquakes and mine collapses, denouncing global warming, promoting the benefits of coal energy, blasting union "lackeys" and even calling out news reporters he said wrote or broadcast inaccurate statements. Since Thursday night's fatal cave-in, Murray has reportedly not left the Crandall Canyon Mine.

---

E-MAIL: bwinslow@desnews.com