Alpha Natural Resources Mine Rescue Teams Put to the Test and Win

ABINGDON, Va., May 25, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Alpha Natural Resources, Inc. (NYSE: ANR), a leading U.S. coal supplier, is pleased to announce the results of a recent mine rescue competition. Alpha affiliate, Kingston Mining, Inc. took the top prize in its category at the Alliance Mine Rescue Competition held last weekend in Beckley, W.Va.

(Photo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110525/CG08449)

More than 40 teams from various coal companies participated in the two-day event. The competition puts mine rescue teams to the test, challenging them in real-life scenarios including a smoke room and equipment malfunctions. "This contest is unique because it tests the skills these mine rescue teams need to be successful during a real mine emergency. We are proud of what our teams accomplished this past weekend. The results were proof that their hard work and training pay off," said Greg Fernett, Kingston safety manager and mine rescue assistant trainer.

All of Alpha's 12 affiliated mine rescue teams and two teams that are part of the Pennsylvania Mine Rescue System but comprised of Alpha affiliate employees participated in the competition, which is divided into two categories, Division I - novice and Division II - experienced.  Kingston's White Team finished first in the Division II competition. Alpha affiliate, Cumberland Coal Resources near Waynesburg, Pa., took home second place with its Cumberland JC team.  Alpha affiliate, Dickenson-Russell Coal Company from Southwest Virginia, won third place. The Marion Center #1 Team, which is part of the Pennsylvania Mine Rescue system, took first place in the Division I "Smoke Room" competition.

The Kingston White Team consists of Captain-George Smith, # 1 gas man-Oscar Hughes Jr., #2 gas man-Matt Price, map man-Gary Brooks, tail captain-Jarrod Birchfield, briefing officer-Ryan Haga, patient-Daniel "Speedy" Bragg and alternate/assistant trainer-Greg Fernett.

The Marion Center #1 Team consists of Captain-Tony Lute – Gillhouser Run Mine, map man-Ed Gallagher – Dora 8 Mine, gas man-Troy Lewarchick– Nolo Mine, gas man-Paul Zamba– Nolo Mine, briefing officer-Ed Yount– Dora 8 Mine, alternate-Ron Wysocki– Nolo Mine and alternate-Nick Zak– AMFIRE CI.

About Alpha Natural Resources

Alpha Natural Resources is one of America's premier coal suppliers with affiliate coal production capacity of more than 90 million tons a year.  Alpha is a leading supplier and exporter of metallurgical coal used in the steel-making process and is a major supplier of thermal coal to electric utilities and manufacturing industries across the country.  The company, through its affiliates, employs approximately 6,500 people and operates more than 60 mines and 13 coal preparation facilities in the regions of Northern and Central Appalachia and the Powder River Basin.  More information about Alpha can be found on the company's website at www.alphanr.com.  

SOURCE Alpha Natural Resources

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