MORE is known for its campaigns for social, economic and environmental issues and has had a loud voice against the industry of late, working with other organizations such as the Sierra Club in anti-coal efforts.

Peabody officials have called MORE’s demonstration minor and questioned the group’s reasoning.

“It takes a special anti-everything activist to oppose charitable giving, scientific inquiry and community involvement,” a spokeswoman said.

“We’re confident the people of St Louis appreciate civic leadership and technology advancements.”

One of MORE’s arguments is that coal miners such as Peabody “corrupt the work of educational and scientific institutions, turning good science to junk science and valuable education into dangerous misinformation”

It points to Peabody funding Washington University’s Consortium for Clean Coal Utilization as proof of such corruption.

“They’re using these donations to cover up how their destructive business practices are hurting people and fueling climate change,” MORE member Alice Fine said.

“We’re here to make sure they can’t get away with that.”