Alpha Natural Resources, based in Bristol Virginia, is seeking thousands of documents related to the research of a former West Virginia University professor who blames mountaintop coal mining for increased health risks. It’s arguing the matter before the West Virginia Supreme Court to get access to the research of Michael Hendryx. Hendryx reportedly published a long list of papers that blames mountaintop mining for increased risk of birth defects, cancer and a number of other illnesses among coalfield residents. Christopher Power is an attorney for an Alpha subsidiary. He argues that university officials have “stiff-armed” the company and its request.