Bunn, first elected in 2002 and then again in 2003 and 2008, will be serving his fourth term with the advocacy group, the largest state coal association in the US.

He said he would continue to “play offense” in his seat to highlight the industry’s importance to the nation and to the world’s energy plan.

“Our people are our greatest asset and they are truly the best practicing environmentalists in the world,” Bunn said.

“What they do every day, mining West Virginia coal, is essential to America’s security.”

Elected to the WVCA’s 2009-2010 executive committee were immediate past chairman Andrew Jordan of Pritchard Mining, Alpha Natural Resources’ Kevin Crutchfield as vice chairman and second vice chairman Gary White of International Resource Partners.

International Coal Group’s Ben Hatfield will serve as secretary, Arch Coal’s John Snider will be assistant secretary, Patriot Coal’s Paul Vining will sit in the treasurer’s seat, MEPCO’s Jim Laurita will hold the position of assistant treasurer and the group’s associate division chairman will be Rish Equipment’s Dan Pochick.

Also on the group’s board of directors are: Don Donell of Starvaggi Industries, Alexander Virula of Mechel Bluestone, John Wellford of Upper Kanawha Valley Development, Mike Zervos of United Energy, Ralph Ballard of RWMV, Nelson Sumpter of Argus Energy, Jeff Bostic of JB Energy, Pat Graney of Petroleum Products and Tim Zeli of Nelson Brothers.

WVCA has selected Consol Energy’s Jimmy Brock, Patience Coal’s Warren Hylton and Walker Machinery’s Steve Walker as its members at large.

The association’s annual coal mining symposium has been scheduled for February 3-5, 2010, at the Charleston Civic Center.