Mr Don Blankenship retiring CEO of Massey refuses to testify in a state and federal investigation into the Upper Big Branch Mine Disaster.

The report comes just a week after Mr Blankenship announced his retirement from the coal giant.

Mr Blankenship's lawyers say they advised him against testifying, drawing on his Fifth Amendment right to avoid self incrimination.

The hearing was scheduled for December 14th 2010 and officials say they planned to question Blankenship about the April mine explosion that killed 29 miners.

Other Massey employees have also refused to testify in the investigation.

(Sourced from www.wdtv.com)