Alpha Natural Resources Affiliate Recognized for Leadership in Reforestation at W. Va. Surface Mine

BRISTOL, Va., May 28, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Alex Energy, an affiliate of leading U.S. coal supplier Alpha Natural Resources (NYSE: ANR), was recognized by the Appalachian Regional Reforestation Initiative (ARRI) for reforestation activities at the Whitman Surface Mine, also known as Trace Fork Surface Mine. An award was presented by the U.S. Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement and the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection during a ceremony on May 23 in Holden, W.Va.

Reforestation at Whitman, a surface mine in Logan County, W.Va., commenced in 2007. Restoration efforts followed ARRI's Forestry Reclamation Approach, including appropriate land preparation and planting of trees native to the region at specific seedling application rates and mixtures to maximize tree survivability.

Nearly 100,000 seedlings have been planted across 150 acres at Whitman to date. Trees include 22 different species, and survival rates have been exceptionally high at 85 to 90 percent.  

"We believe that integrity in environmental stewardship and compliance helps build a better and higher performing business," said Alpha President Paul Vining.  "We appreciate ARRI's recognition of the efforts and are proud of the Alex Energy team at Whitman, who demonstrated how mined land can be fully restored through proper reforestation efforts."

Alpha affiliates also recently received awards from the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection for restoration and reforestation activities at other sites.

Alpha's affiliates are continually investing resources and expertise in improving efficiencies, restoring land, recycling materials, and enhancing water quality compliance. For more information on our environmental stewardship, visit www.anryearinreview.com.

About Alpha Natural Resources 
Alpha Natural Resources is one of the largest and most regionally diversified coal suppliers in the United States. With affiliate 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 Inc.