CHARLESTON, W.Va. ─ The West Virginia Coal Association convened its 48th annual West Virginia Mining Symposium this week and celebrated the safety and reclamation 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,” WVCA 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 Symposium took place January 12 at the newly renovated Embassy Suites and Conference Center in Charleston, W.Va.
SAFETY AWARDS
“Safety always has been and continues to be our top priority in the coal industry,” said Hamilton. “It’s always a proud day for us when we recognize those who excel in safety and demonstrate the highest levels of dedication to protecting our coal miners. 2020 was a record setting safe year for the men and woman who extract energy from our state’s world class operations”.
Inspectors with the West Virginia Office of Miners’ Health, Safety and Training evaluate all coal operations and contractors to select the winners. Deputy Director Eugene White presented the awards.
The Mountaineer Guardian Safety Awards presented during the Symposium’s Tuesday luncheon include:
Statewide Awards
- Eustace E. Frederick Milestone Safety Award for underground coal mines:
- ACI Tygart Valley, Leer Mine
- Bart B. Lay Jr. Milestone Safety Award for surface coal mines:
- Rockwell Mining LLC, Glancy Surface mine
Underground Operations
- Wolf Run Mining LLC, Leer South, Region 1
- Blue Creek Mining LLC, Blue Creek #1 Mine, Region 4
- Aracoma Coal Company, Cedar Grove #2 Mine, Region 3
- Consol Mining Co. LLC, ltman #5 Mine, Region 2
- Aracoma Coal Company LLC, Aracoma Alma #1, Region 3
- XMV Inc., Mine #43, Region 2
- Mettiki Coal WV LLC, Mettiki E Mine, Region 1
Surface Operations
- Republic Energy LCC, Ewing Fork #1, Region 4
- Republic Energy LCC, Republic Surface, Region 4
- Onyx Energy LLC, Jupiter Surface Mine, Region 2
- Cornerstone Labor Service Inc., Coal Mountain 31 Surface, Region 2
- Extra Energy Inc., Blue Eagle Surface Mine, Region 2
- Lexington Coal Company LLC, Superior Surface, Region 2
- LP Mineral LLC, Ralph Six, Region
Prep Plants/Loadouts
- Contura Energy LLC, Mammoth Plant, Region 4
- Greenbrier Minerals LLC, Elklick Load Out, Region 3
- Wolf Run Mining LLC, Leer South Prep Plant, Region
- Performance Industries Inc, Coal Mt. Loadout, Region 2
- Contura Energy LLC, Kingston Processing, Region 4
- Carter Roag Coal Co. LLC, Starbridge Plant, Region 1
- Tunnel Ridge LLC, Prep Plant, Region 1
Quarries
- Rose Holdings LLC, Philipi Quarry, Region 1
- Patterson Excavating Co., Patterson Quarry, Region 3
- Appalachian Aggregates LLC, Mill Poi
Independent Contractors
- Region 1: Polino Contracting, Inc.
- Region 2: RDD, LLC
- Region 3: GMS Mine Repairs & Maintenance
- Region 4: Cramer Security & Investigations LLC
RECLAMATION 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 responsible reclamation in West Virginia.”
Inspectors with the state Department of Environmental Protection selected the winners, and DEP Secretary Austin Caperton handed out the awards.
The Reclamation awards presented during the Symposium’s Wednesday luncheon are:
The top award – the Greenlands Award, went to Vindex Energy LCC for its Dobbin Ridge Preparation Plant Area.
Other reclamation award winners include:
Greenlands Award
- Vindex Energy, LLC Dobbin Ridge Preparation Plant Permit #O-96-83
Exemplary Reclamation of Surface Mining Operations-South
- Republic Energy, LLC Edwight Surface Mine Permit #S-3012-99
Exemplary Reclamation of Underground Mining Operations-North
- Harrison County Coal Resources, Inc. 7 North Portal Permit #U-104-83
Exemplary Reclamation of Refuse Facilities-North
- Marshall County Coal Resources, Inc. Connor Run Refuse Area Permit #O-1023-92
Exemplary Construction Techniques for Drainage Structures-North
- Wolf Run Mining, LLC Leer South Mine Permit #U-15-83
Exemplary Construction Techniques for Drainage Structures-South
- Republic Energy, LLC Workman Creek Surface Mine Permit #S-3017-12
Exemplary Construction Techniques for Valley Fills-South
- Mid-Vol Coal Sales, Inc. Dry Branch Surface Mine Permit #S-4007-09
Exemplary Construction Techniques for Loadout or Preparation Plant Facility-North
- Hawthorne Coal Company, LLC Sawmill Run Preparation Plant Permit #D-184
Exemplary Construction Techniques for Loadout or Preparation Plant Facility-South
- Mid-Vol Coal Sales, Inc. Berwind Loadout Facility Permit #O-4027-92