Patriot Coal Corporation announced that it received the Appalachian Regional Reforestation Initiative award, presented today by the Kentucky Department for Natural Resources during annual Arbor Day events. The award was presented for the reclamation of a former surface mine in western Ohio County, near the communities of Rockport and Echols.

Mr Charles A Ebetino Jr Patriot senior VP & COO said “In this project, the entire area was reclaimed into fish and wildlife post-mining land use. Substantial amounts of native and western grasses were incorporated into the re-vegetation plans, and over 200,000 trees and shrubs were planted to establish wildlife food and shelter areas.”

He said “The reclaimed area is used by hunters, fishermen and outdoor enthusiasts, and has also been visited by academic groups to observe and study the success of native grasses, reforestation and the repopulation of wildlife species. By thoughtfully incorporating grasses and wildlife that are native to this area, we have furthered our Company's mission to be a good steward of the land in the communities where we operate.”

Patriot Coal Corporation is a leading producer and marketer of coal in the eastern United States, with 14 active mining complexes in Appalachia and the Illinois Basin.