Phoenix Coal Inc a leading producer and consolidator of thermal coal reserves in the Illinois Basin recently announced that the Company was the recipient of five mine safety awards at the quarterly meeting of the Joseph A. Holmes Safety Association Green River Council at Owensboro in Kentucky. Phoenix received two awards from JAHSA and an additional three awards from the Mine Safety and Health Administration.

Mr David A Wiley president and CEO of Phoenix Coal said that "We are honored to have received these awards from JAHSA and MSHA as they recognize our excellent record in health and safety. We are proud of our employees for their ongoing commitment and for achieving outstanding safety records. We will continue to strive for excellence in mine health and safety at all of our operations."

JAHSA is a national private non profit organization established in 1916 that recognizes achievements in mine safety with annual awards. It consists of representatives from federal and state governments, mining organizations and labor groups. MSHA is a federal enforcement