Honored at the recent 29th annual meeting of the West Virginia State Council of the Joseph A Holmes Safety Association in Wheeling were Brooks Run Mining’s Cucumber underground mine, Highland Mining’s Freeze Fork surface mine, Elk Run Coal’s Republic Energy surface operation and Alex Energy’s Marmet dock.
“Safety and running right are part of our Alpha culture – we empower employees to make safe choices,” health and safety vice-president John Gallick said.
“We are honored that several of our affiliated companies received the Holmes recognition and we continue our pursuit of continuous improvement in safety excellence.”
The Joseph A Holmes Safety Association, established in 1916 to reduce the industry’s accidents, fatalities and mining-related illnesses, bestows awards each year across the US to mines with stellar safety performance records.
Alpha has been on quite a safety roll as of late with several of its mines highlighted with national awards.
Last month, four of its mines and another four preparation plants earned highly sought-after Sentinels of Safety certificates from the National Mining Association.
Bens Creek No. 1, Double Diamond and Hatfield Energy deep mines, the White Flame surface operation and the Black Bear, Kepler, Litwar and Stirrat processing plants were each recognized for their performances.
In February, the producer earned Mountaineer Guardian safety awards and West Virginia reclamation awards from the West Virginia Coal Association.
The Hatfield Energy deep mine and White Flame surface complex received Mountaineer Guardians.
The Litwar processing plant refuse area took home the coal refuse prep plant award and earning the underground mine reclamation honor was the Kingwood Mining Whitetail operation.
Since its acquisition of Massey Energy last June, Alpha controls about five billion tons of reserves in central and northern Appalachia, the Illinois Basin and the Powder River Basin and is the second-largest reserve holder in the nation.
The company’s metallurgical coal reserve base is among the world’s largest and highest quality, with assets including about 150 coal mines and 40 preparation facilities.
