Alpha Natural Resources' Affiliates Recognized for Environmental Achievements

BRISTOL, Va., March 21, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Alpha Natural Resources (NYSE:ANR), a leading U.S. coal supplier, is pleased to announce that two West Virginia affiliates were recently recognized for their accomplishments in reclamation. The awards were presented at the 40th annual West Virginia Mining Symposium on March 7^th in Charleston, W.Va.

The West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (WVDEP) along with the West Virginia Coal Association (WVCA) presented Alex Energy's, Whitman Surface Mine, with the Surface Reclamation South Award. Whitman is located in Logan County. It was recognized for exemplary performance in reclamation on a surface mine.  From the preparation of the soil to the permanent vegetative cover, the site work produced an extraordinary diversity in tree species including over 60% native hardwoods and a two-acre apple orchard. The 22 different species of trees have consistently had a significant growth rate and a survival rate of 85-90%. 

The Exemplary Reclamation of a Refuse Facility award went to Kanawha Energy's, Jackson Hollow Refuse. Jackson Hollow Refuse is located in Barbour County. Crews at Jackson Hollow worked closely with the WVDEP throughout the reclamation work. The work included renovated and newly installed ditches, improvements to water flow and repairing and preventing future erosion on the property. The project was completed in approximately four months.

"We care about our environment and proactively take steps to be good stewards. We congratulate these operations for a job well done. Their hard work and dedication are examples of our commitment to doing what is right," said Gene Kitts, SVP Environmental Affairs.

About Alpha Natural Resources

Alpha Natural Resources is one of the largest and most regionally diversified coal suppliers in the United States. With mining operations in Virginia, West Virginia, Kentucky, Pennsylvania and Wyoming, Alpha supplies metallurgical coal to the steel industry and thermal coal to generate power to customers on five continents.  Alpha is committed to being a leader in mine safety with our Running Right safety process, and an environmental steward in the communities where we operate. For more information, visit Alpha's official website (www.alphanr.com)

SOURCE Alpha Natural Resources