The Green Miner Award went to its Kentucky subsidiary Sidney Coal. Sidney president Sid Young accepted the award on behalf of the company’s 730 miners.

“The Green Miner Award will be awarded each year to the Massey Group with the best environmental performance,” said Massey chairman Don Blankenship. “It recognizes diligence and initiative in environmental compliance and reflects our ongoing commitment to doing the right thing – for Massey, our communities and the environment.”

Other finalists for the Green Miner honour included Knox Creek mine and Long Fork mine, both Massey operations.

Best of Class awards were accepted by Logan County Mine Services’ Anna Branch mine (best surface mine), Sidney Coal’s Johns Creek Energy mine (best underground mine), and Long Fork (best preparation plant).

The award for most improved operation was presented to Independence Coal.

With operations in West Virginia, Kentucky and Virginia, Massey Energy is the fourth largest US coal company in terms of produced coal revenue.