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The 2010 ceremony, which spotlighted the performance of the state’s mines between October 1, 2008, and September 30, 2009, was held on May 21-22 at the Stonewall Resort in Roanoke.
Mines in three classifications received honors: underground mines, surface mines and preparation facilities.
Taking home underground honors were Brooks Run Mining’s Cucumber mine (301,000-500,000 ton category) and Poplar Ridge No. 1 (500,001t to 1Mt) as well as Kingston Mining’s Glen Alum/No. 1 operation (500,001t to 1Mt). The three had non-fatal days lost rates of 1.97, 1.95 and 0.76, respectively.
In the surface division, Simmons Fork Mining’s Paynter Branch (100,000-300,000t) and Ewing Fork No. 1 (500,001t to 1Mt) operations earned recognition, as did White Flame Energy’s White Flame surface mine (500,001t to 1Mt). Their respective NFDLs were 0.00, 0.00 and 0.84.
Finally, Alpha’s Litwar Processing Plant marked a NFDL of zero for its fifth consecutive year, and also was honored with a prestigious Holmes award.
Management for both main subsidiaries congratulated the work of their crews during the performance period.
"I am extremely proud of the Cucumber, White Flame, and Litwar Processing work groups for their commitment and hard work on a day-to-day basis in their constant efforts to promote a safe work environment for all their employees,” Alpha Southern West Virginia business unit leader Frank Matras said.
Northern West Virginia business unit head Mark Schuerger added: "I congratulate our people at Ewing Fork, Kingston, Paynter Branch and Poplar Ridge for this well-deserved recognition.”
Company operations safety director Kenneth Perdue was also named 2009 Coal Safety Leader of the Year. The 37-year mining industry veteran has worked with Alpha for six years.
"Ken has gone well beyond what's required in his unwavering devotion to improve safety,” Alpha executive vice president Randy McMillion said of Perdue’s achievement.
“Never have I witnessed a greater level of compassion and absolute concern for others."
The Coal Safety Leader of the Year honor was established in 1985 by the association to recognize individuals who contribute to injury and fatality prevention at operations in West Virginia, Ohio and Maryland.
