Federal Court Says Wrong Mine Operator Designated as Liable for Black Lung Benefits

A federal appellate court ruled that an administrative law judge and the Benefits Review Board designated the wrong mine operator as liable for a West Virginia miner’s black lung benefits. Case: Rhino Energy LLC v. OWCP, No. 24-2212, 04/23/2026, published. Facts: Robert B. Rule worked as a coal miner in West Virginia from 1975 until 2015. From mid-2012 through December 2014, Rule worked for Rhino Energy LLC. Rhino served as a subcontractor for Wildcat Energy LLC, the owner of the mine, during this time. When Rhino ended its subcontract with Wildcat at the end of 2014, Rule joined Wil...