Patriot Coal Corporation announced that the Panther complex received a prestigious Mountaineer Guardian Safety Award.

Mountaineer Guardian Safety Awards are presented each year by the West Virginia Coal Association to mining operations that demonstrate a commitment to operational safety. Inspectors for the West Virginia Office of Miners' Health, Safety & Training nominate facilities based on numerous safety related criteria, including below average injury incidence rates and effective, comprehensive safety programs.

Mr Richard M Whiting said that "Maintaining a strong safety environment is our top operational priority. Receiving at least one Mountaineer Guardian Safety Award each year for nine consecutive years attests to the effectiveness of Patriot's safety efforts and training," noted Patriot President and Chief Executive Officer. I thank our employees at the Panther complex for incorporating safety into their day to day routines. We look forward to continuing our comprehensive safety emphasis across all of Patriot's mining operations."