The four Alpha affiliates received the Mountaineer Guardian Safety Award, presented to selected mines and mining-related entities that meet strict safety criteria. It recognizes organizations with fatality-free operations, superior internal safety programs, cooperative teaming with authorities and minimal safety violations. In addition, inspectors with the West Virginia Office of Miners’ Health Safety and Training may nominate mines and facilities for the awards.
Republic Energy LLC’s Workman Creek Surface Mine in Raleigh County has been honored with the Barton B. Lay, Jr. Milestones of Safety Award, one of only two operations to receive the WVMHS&T’s most prestigious award.
The following operations in West Virginia also received the Mountaineer Guardian award:
Underground Operations:
• Aracoma Coal Co. LLC, Cedar Grove No. 2 Mine
• Kingston Mining Inc., Kingston No. 1 Mine
Preparation Plants and Loadouts:
• Elk Run Coal Co. LLC, Chess Processing Plant
Barton B Lay, Jr. Award – Milestones of Safety Award – Surface Mine
• Republic Energy LLC, Workman Creek Surface Mine
Three of the operations are multiple winners of the Mountaineer Guardian Safety Award with Cedar Grove No. 2 and Workman Creek having been honored two of the last three years.
“We are proud of the accomplishments of all the employees at these operations and to see them recognized for their safety achievements with such prestigious awards,” said Brian Keaton, Alpha’s senior vice president of safety and health.
All of these Alpha-affiliated operations received recognition at the Mountaineer Guardian Luncheon during the 45th annual West Virginia Mining Symposium January 30 in Charleston, West Virginia. The West Virginia Office of Miners’ Health Safety and Training and the West Virginia Coal Association sponsor the awards to promote safety in West Virginia coal mines and facilities.
