Coal miners from several coal producing states have been gathering in Blacksburg. It's part of a weeklong program that offers ongoing training and survival skills when and if they're trapped in a coal mine.

Thirty six teams from five states took advantage of great weather to compete against each other Wednesday at what's known as Caboose Park at Blacksburg Municipal Park. The men were timed and rated in their ability to pass along critical information and still work under what would be horribly tough conditions.

Mr Randy Moore of the Virginia Division of Mines said that "They said these do sharpen their skills and they're working together as a team they're working together under some pressure out here because we are judging them out here as they go."

Source - WDBJ7.com

(www.coalguru.com)