The award was presented by the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement and the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection during a ceremony on May 23 in Holden.

Reforestation efforts at Whitman, which began in 2007, included land preparation and planting of native trees at specific seedling application rates and mixtures to maximise tree survivability.

ANR claims nearly 100,000 seedlings have been planted across 150 acres to date.

The trees planted include 22 different species and survival rates have been high at 85-90%.

“We believe that integrity in environmental stewardship and compliance helps build a better and higher performing business," Alpha president Paul Vining said.

"We appreciate ARRI's recognition of the efforts and are proud of the Alex Energy team at Whitman, who demonstrated how mined land can be fully restored through proper reforestation efforts."

Alpha affiliates have also received numerous awards from the WV DEP for restoration and reforestation activities at other sites.