Two operations received the awards from the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection and the West Virginia Coal Association.

Eastern Associated Coal Corp's former Eagle No. 4 Mine in Wyoming County received a Reclamation Excellence Award for restoring 16 acres of surface land at the minesite. Despite steep terrain and difficult conditions, the area was restored to match the land's approximate original contour, creating a spectacular wildlife habitat. Breaker rock was reused for fill material allowing for conservation of topsoil.

Pine Ridge Coal Company's former Robin Hood No. 8 Preparation Facility received a Reclamation Excellence Award for reclaiming the plant area and associated refuse disposal sites. In addition to removing coal handling facilities from the land, employees successfully used a direct seeding method to reclaim about 225 acres.

Peabody subsidiary Seneca Coal Company has also been recognised for its environmental efforts, earning an Excellence in Reclamation Advancement award from the Colorado Division of Minerals and Geology and the Colorado Mining Association for a 5 year study that examined techniques for reestablishing native shrubs to provide enhanced wildlife habitat.

Seneca partnered with Colorado State University to analyse planting techniques and develop best practices for restoring native oak brush. As part of the study, Seneca gathered native seeds that were genetically adapted to environmental conditions. The study also examined nursery planting techniques to determine the most effective methods for accelerating growth.

“Stewardship is a core value and central to our mission, which pledges to leave the land in a condition equal to or better than we found it," said Jiri Nemec, Peabody's group vice-president of US Eastern Operations.

“We are proud to be recognised among the industry's most innovative for results that will benefit communities for years to come."