Mountaineer Guardian Safety Awards are presented each year by the West Virginia Coal Association to mining operations that demonstrate a strong commitment to safety.

Inspectors for the West Virginia Office of Miners' Health, Safety & Training nominate facilities based on related criteria, including below-average injury incidence rates and effective safety programs.

The following operations received the award in their respective categories: Coal Clean preparation plant at the Panther mining complex; Fanco preparation plant and loadout at the Logan County mining complex; and Samples surface mine at the Paint Creek mining complex.

Patriot president and CEO Bennett Hatfield said: “Maintaining a safe work environment every shift of every day is our highest priority.

“The Mountain Guardian Safety Awards appropriately recognise the excellent safety performance achieved at these operations.

“The Coal Clean preparation plant, in particular, was recognised for four years of operation without a reportable injury.”

“We are pleased to be recognised by our state regulators and peers for best-in-class safety. I thank our employees for keeping safety at the forefront of everything they do.”

On the reclamation front, Patriot’s Apogee surface mine at the Logan County mining complex received the National Wild Turkey Federation Award and Hobet surface mine at the Corridor G mining complex received the Ducks Unlimited Award.

“At Patriot, being a good corporate citizen in the communities in which we operate is part of our core mission,” Hatfield said.

“These reclamation awards were presented for Patriot's effort to attract wild turkey, ducks and other wildlife species to our reclaimed properties through the development of food and water sources and areas of cover.

“In addition, the award at Apogee recognised Patriot employees for hosting an annual outing to introduce young hunters to the sport of turkey hunting while promoting responsibility and safety.”