Bumbico joined Arch in 2004 as the company’s corporate safety director, and prior to that held safety positions with Horizon Natural Resources and AEP Fuel Supply. He also worked as an underground miner for a time at a Consol Energy operation.

Active on the safety committees of the National Mining Association and West Virginia Coal Association, the Ohio native received his Bachelor of Science degree from Ohio University and his Master of Arts degree in 1992 from Ohio State. He also holds a senior profession/human resources (SPHR) certification, which he earned in 2003.

“We’re pleased to recognise Tony’s valuable leadership in this way,” said Arch president John Eaves, pleased by the fact that the company’s safety performance went up by 24% in Bumbico’s first two years there.

“The company and its board are confident that Tony and his entire safety team will continue to work steadily toward our ultimate goal of an accident-free workplace.”

Arch, which provides about 6% of US electricity generation, had a 2005 lost-time safety record approximately four times better than average, according to statistics from the Mine Safety and Health Administration.