The Dugout Canyon mine received the Rocky Mountain Coal Mining Institute’s (RMCMI) 2012 Safety Award among large underground mines at the institute’s 100th annual meeting. To qualify for the eight-state award mines must have produced substantial coal volumes without a reportable safety incident during 2011. Mines then were compared using total incident rate data as reported to MSHA for the calendar year.

“Dugout Canyon’s zero total incident rate puts them at the head of the industry,” said Judy Colgan, RMCMI executive director. “The mine’s continued safety performance is truly remarkable and deserves this recognition.”

“This is a significant award that recognizes the professionalism and dedication of all Dugout Canyon mine employees,” said Gene DiClaudio, president, Arch Western Bituminous Group. “Safety is foremost at every one of our operations.”

In addition, the Dugout Canyon mine also has been named 2011 Safe Operator of the Year among underground coal mines and the Castle Valley preparation plant has been named 2011 Safe Coal Processing Facility by the Utah State Labor Commission and Office of Coal Mine Safety (OCMS).

“Your safety record of zero incidents for the year 2011 is a great achievement in the coal industry and reflects on your company’s fine safety programs and training,” said David Houghton, director of Utah Coal Mine Safety. “The men and women who work at Dugout have shown a great commitment to the culture of safety, and these awards reflect highly on their personal commitment. Congratulations to everyone at Dugout. Thank you for being a leader in mine safety in Utah and for providing the men and women who work in the mining industry a safe and productive workplace.”

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