Leading US coal supplier Alpha Natural Resources announced that one of its affiliated operations has received national recognition for its commitment to safety.

The National Mining Association awarded the Centre County Strips mine of AMFIRE Mining Company in western Pennsylvania the Sentinels of Safety Award. The award was presented Sept. 25th at the MINExpo International 2012 in Las Vegas, Nev.

The award recognizes the Centre County operation in the small surface mine category.

Mr Pete Merritts AMFIRE President said “To be recognized as the best in the nation is an outstanding accomplishment. We are proud of the dedication and leadership at Centre that made this achievement possible. We congratulate our employees for a job well done."

Sentinels of Safety awards are presented annually to the nation's safest mines with a minimum of 4,000 injury-free hours. The first awards were given in 1925 by then Commerce Secretary Herbert Hoover and remain the nation's most prestigious awards recognizing mining safety.

Source - Alpha Natural Resources

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