Mingo-Logan’s Mountaineer #2 and Simmons Fork Mining’s Ewing Fork #1 take top honors at 2010 Mountaineer Guardian Safety Awards

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Thirty-three West Virginia mining operations were recognized for stellar safety efforts in 2009 during the West Virginia Coal Association’s 37th Annual Mining Symposium on Thursday.  

“All of our companies strive to meet the highest standards of safety.” West Virginia Coal Association President Bill Raney said.  “I wish we could recognize every single operation. These award winners are fantastic examples of the commitment to safety every one of our member companies shows on a daily basis.
Each of them is to be commended for the hard work they put in each day to sure their operations are as safe as possible and to send our people home at the end of their shifts.” 

Raney said Simmons Fork Mining, LLC’s Ewing Fork #1 operation took the top honor for surface mines, claiming the Bart B. Lay, Jr. Milestones of Safety Award. Raney said Mingo-Logan’s Mountaineer #2 mine claimed this year’s Eustace Frederick Milestones of Safety Award for underground mines.  

“Both Simmon’s Fork and Mingo-Logan have taken steps above and beyond what is required by state and federal regulations,” Raney said. “ They are the truly dedicated to the safety of their employees, and they are greatly deserving of this award.” 

The West Virginia Coal Association’s Mountaineer Guardian Awards are presented each year to mining companies that have demonstrated a commitment to safety standards.  Inspectors for the West Virginia Office of Mine Health Safety and Training nominate companies based on numerous criteria.  

The companies receiving Mountaineer Guardian Awards for  2009 are listed on the following pages.  For additional information, contact Bill Raney or Chris Hamilton at (304) 342-4153.