An Alpha Natural Resources subsidiary has been issued safety citations in a mechanic's fatal fall at a West Virginia coal processing plant.

The federal Mine Safety and Health Administration cited Independence Coal Company in the May 17 death of 57-year-old Clyde Dolin of Danville. We're told Dolin was preparing to use a torch to remove a steel beam at the Liberty Plant in Boone County.

Dolin was using a ladder extension without its base.

MSHA cited the company for improper use of the ladder, failing to provide safe access to the beam and failing to require Dolin to wear a safety belt and line.