Source: Charleston Gazette
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. -- Coal company Alpha Natural Resources Inc. is donating $300,000 for energy and environmental sciences research at West Virginia University.
The gift announced Tuesday is expected to qualify for matching funds from the state Research Trust Fund, bringing the total value to $600,000.
Dean Gene Cilento says WVU will use the money to focus on all aspects of energy research, from extraction to use.
Mining department director Jim Dean says the gift will support health and safety research, too, including the integration of new technologies.
WVU recently trained Alpha's mine rescue teams at its Academy for Mine Training and Energy Technologies.
Alpha, based in Abingdon, Va., is one of the nation's largest coal operators.
It's in the midst of a $7.1 billion takeover of rival Massey Energy Co.