The awards, which are based on the best safety record last year by size and category of operation, were presented for Patriot’s Wells preparation plant, its Hill Fork surface mine in the Corridor G mining complex, and its Matewan tunnel underground coal transportation corridor in the Rocklick mining complex.

The Wells preparation plant and Matewan tunnel had zero reportable incidents last year.

Patriot president and chief executive officer Bennett Hatfield said: “We are pleased that Patriot has once again been recognized for exemplary safety performance.

"Our goal is to make Patriot's operations the safest in the coal industry. We thank each of our employees for making safety a priority every day."

Patriot has 11 active mining complexes in Appalachia and the Illinois Basin.