April 28, 2023 – During West Virginia Mining Symposium, which took place April 18-19 in Charleston, the West Virginia Coal Association recognized and celebrated “Exemplary Mine Safety & Environmental Excellence” achievements of mining industry operations across the state.
“West Virginia’s coal industry continues to show its resilience and commitment to excellence across the board,” West Virginia Coal Association President Chris Hamilton said. “It’s always a proud day for us when we can recognize those who excel in safety and reclamation, showing that the best and brightest in the industry are right here in West Virginia.”
The West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection and the West Virginia Office of Miners’ Health, Safety & Training cosponsor this special mining awards program.
SAFETY AWARDS
“Safety always has been and continues to be our top priority in the coal industry,” said Hamilton. “2022 was a record setting year for industry safety and our members demonstrate the highest levels of dedication to protecting our coal miners.”
Inspectors with the West Virginia Office of Miners’ Health, Safety and Training (WVOMHST) evaluate all coal operations and contractors to nominate the winners. WVOMHST Director Frank Foster presented the awards.
The Mountaineer Guardian Safety Awards presented during the event include:
Best of Class Statewide Awards
- Eustace E. Frederick Milestone Safety Award for underground coal mines:
- Blackhawk Mining / Panther Creek Mining Co.
- American Eagle Mine
- Blackhawk Mining / Panther Creek Mining Co.
- Bart B. Lay Jr. Milestone Safety Award for surface coal mines:
- Cleveland Cliffs Princeton Coal
- Blue Eagle Surface Mine
- Alpha Metallurgical Resources
- Republic Energy LLC
- Workman Creek Surface
- Cleveland Cliffs Princeton Coal
Underground Operations
Arch Resources, ACI Tygart Valley, Leer Mine
Alpha Metallurgical Resources, Aracoma Coal Company, Cedar Grove #2
United Coal, Carter Roag Coal Company, Morgan Camp Mine
Coronado, Greenbrier Minerals, Eagle # 1 Mine
American Consolidated Natural Resources, Harrison County Coal Resources, Harrison County Mine
Alpha Metallurgical Resources, Kingston Mining Company, Kingston # 2
United Coal, Knox Operating LLC, Beech Mountain Mine
Alliance Coal, Mettiki Coal WV LLC, Mettiki E Mine
Blackhawk Mining, Panther Creek Mining, American Eagle Mine
United Coal, Pocahontas Coal Company LLC, Affinity Mine
Blackhawk Mining, Rockwell Mining Company, Flying Eagle Mine
Alpha Metallurgical Resources, Spartan Mining LLC, Road Fork # 52 Mine
Cornerstone, Star Services, Rane Deep Coal Mine
Cleveland-Cliff’s Princeton Coal, Mine # 39
Ramaco Resources LLC, Michael Powellton Deep Mine
Ramaco Resources LLC, No. 2 Gas Mine
Ramaco Resources LLC, Crucible Deep Mine
Coronado, Greenbrier Minerals, Lower War Eagle Mine
Surface Operations:
Cleveland Cliffs Princeton Coal, Blue Eagle Surface Mine
Cleveland Cliffs Princeton Coal, Harmon East Surface Mine
Cleveland Cliffs Princeton Coal, VA Point Surface Mine
LP Mineral, LLC, Ralph Six
Blackhawk Mining, Panther Creek Mining LLC, Sycamore North Mine
United Coal, Pocahontas Coal Company, Tommy Creek Highwall Mine
Alpha Metallurgical Resources, Republic Energy LLC, Workman Creek Surface
Prep Plants/Loadouts:
Arch Resources, ACI Tygart Valley, Leer Prep Plant
Brooks Run Mining Company LLC, # 1 Prep Plant
United Coal, Carter Roag Coal Co. LLC, Star Bridge Prep Plant
Coronado, Greenbrier Minerals LLC, Saunders Prep Plant
Coronado, Greenbrier Minerals LLC, Mountaineer Pocahontas Prep Plant
Letart Corporation, Plant # 1
American Consolidated Natural Resources, Marshall County Coal Resources, River Loadout
Blackhawk Mining, Panther Creek Mining LLC, Maple Eagle Prep Plant
Blackhawk Mining, Panther Creek Mining LLC, Wet Branch Plant
United Coal Company, Pocahontas Coal Company, Affinity Prep Plant
Ramaco Resources LLC, Berwind Prep Plant
Ramaco Resources LLC, Elk Creek Preparation Plant
Arch Resources, Wolf Run Mining LLC, Leer South Prep Plant
Cleveland Cliffs Princeton Coal, Eckman Loadout
Cleveland Cliffs Princeton Coal, Road Fork Loadout
Cleveland Cliffs Princeton Coal, Eckman Plant
Quarries:
Appalachian Aggregates, LLC, Kelly Mountain Quarry
Appalachian Aggregates, LLC, Lewisburg Quarry
Decker’s Creek Limestone Co, Decker’s Creek Mine
JF Allen Co, Mashey Gap Quarry
Martin Marietta Materials INC, Burning Springs Mine
Ace Aggregates LLC, Philippi Quarry
Independent Contractors
Anderson Excavating
Boyd Company
Polino Contracting
Preston Contractors Inc.
ENVIRONMENTAL EXCELLENCE AWARDS
“This year’s reclamation award winners are proof positive that the best environmentalists out there are in the coal industry,” said West Virginia Coal Association Vice President Jason Bostic. “Our members display a firm commitment to environmental protection and creative, responsible reclamation in West Virginia.”
Inspectors with the state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) selected the winners, and DEP’s Mining & Reclamation Director, Jonathan Rorrer, handed out the awards.
The Environmental Excellence awards presented during the event include:
The top award – the Greenlands Award, went to Pocahontas Coal Company, Tommy Creek Highwall No. 2 Mine.
Other reclamation award winners include:
WV Underground Mine Award:
- Arch Resources
- ICG Tygart Valley
- Leer Mine Complex, U200406, O201706
- Alpha Metallurgical Resources
- Independence Coal Co.
- Black King Deep Mine, U500594
Coal Refuse Facility Award:
- ACNR
- Monongalia County Coal Resources
- Monongalia County Mine, U004684
- Arch Resources
- ICG Beckley Complex
- Pocahontas Refuse Area, U301195
Surface Mine Awards:
- Cleveland Cliffs Princeton Coal, Mid-Vol Coal Sales, Blue Eagle Surface Mine
- Ramaco Resources, Ram 1 Surface Mine
- Arch Resources, Patriot Mining Company, Osage Surface Mine
- Alpha Metallurgical Resources, Republic Energy, Workman Creek Long Ridge
Prep Plant Loadout Award:
- Cornerstone Processing
- Olan Plant, O300720
- Cornerstone Processing
- Switchback Loadout, O400111
Sources: coalzoom.com and wvcoal.com