Alpha Natural Resources Affiliate Operations in West Virginia Honored for Safety and Performance

KINGSPORT, Tenn., Feb. 22, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Alpha Natural Resources Holdings, Inc. and ANR, Inc. announce outstanding safety performance for 2016, with five affiliate operations in West Virginia honored for safety achievements by the West Virginia Office of Miners' Health Safety and Training.

The five Alpha affiliates received the Mountaineer Guardian Safety Award, presented to selected mines and mining-related entities that meet strict safety criteria.  It recognizes organizations with fatality-free operations, superior internal safety programs, cooperative teaming with authorities and minimal safety violations.  In addition, inspectors with the West Virginia Office of Miners' Health Safety and Training may nominate mines and facilities for the awards.

Republic Energy LLC's Republic Surface Mine in Fayette County has been honored with the Barton B. Lay, Jr. Milestones of Safety Award, one of only two operations to receive the WVMHS&T's most prestigious award, and the second time in four years that Republic has been so honored. 

The following operations in West Virginia also received the Mountaineer Guardian award:

Underground Operations

• Aracoma Coal Company                      Alma Mine
• Brooks Run South Mining, LLC            Wyoming #2 Mine

Preparation Plants and Loadouts

• Kepler Processing Company, LLC       Kepler No. 1 Prep. Plant
• Spartan Mining, LLC                            Trace Transport

Barton B Lay, Jr. Award – Milestones of Safety Award – Surface Mine

• Republic Energy, LLC                           Republic Surface Mine

Two of the operations are multiple winners of the Mountaineer Guardian Safety Award.  Aracoma Alma and Wyoming #2 have been honored two of the last three years, and the Kepler No. 1 Prep Plant has won two years in a row.

"We are proud of the safety achievements of our miners," said Brian Keaton, Alpha's Senior Vice President of Safety and Health. "Safety is a value year-round, and getting our employees home safely is paramount, so it is gratifying to see these employees honored for the focus and attention they place on the safety of their fellow employees." 

All of these Alpha-affiliated operations received recognition at the Mountaineer Guardian Luncheon during the 44^th annual West Virginia Mining Symposium February 22 in Charleston, W.Va.  The West Virginia Office of Miners' Health Safety and Training and the West Virginia Coal Association sponsor the awards to promote safety in West Virginia coal mines and facilities.

About Alpha Natural Resources Holdings, Inc. and ANR, Inc.
Alpha Natural Resources Holdings, Inc. and ANR, Inc. have affiliate mining operations in West Virginia and Kentucky, supplying metallurgical coal to the steel industry and thermal coal to generate power. Alpha has offices in Kingsport, Tennessee, and Julian, West Virginia, which support 19 active mining operations. Alpha is committed to being a leader in mine safety and an environmental steward in the communities where its affiliates operate. For more information, visit Alpha's website (www.alphanr.com).  

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SOURCE Alpha Natural Resources