McDaniel, a 31-year Arch veteran and longtime expert in the mining community, was bestowed the honor at the fourth Miners’ Celebration Conference held earlier this month at the Tamarack near Beckley.

The event, which organisers hope will continue annually, celebrates the past, present and future of the state’s mining enterprise and those who have made extraordinary contributions.

“John is a true professional and a highly valued member of the Arch Coal team,” Arch eastern operations president Charles Snavely said.

“We applaud his many contributions to the coal industry over the years, particularly in the environmental arena, and we're very pleased that these contributions are being recognised.”

A graduate of West Virginia University Institute of Technology, McDaniel was one of several recipients of a “Because of You” award.

The engineering professional category honours those who guide a mining projects' entire process – from the beginning through design, permitting and development – or an engineering professional who provides services related to permitting and specialised design.

“As a third-generation miner, the health of the industry is vitally important to me,” McDaniel said.

“I am humbled to be recognised for our contributions to the success of coal mining and the protection of natural habitat in West Virginia.”

The Miners' Celebration is a cooperative project of the Center for Environmental, Geotechnical and Applied Sciences at Marshall University; the National Coal Heritage Area; the United Mine Workers of America; the West Virginia Coal Association; Strategic Solutions; and the West Virginia Division of Energy, Office of Coalfield Community Development.