Alpha Natural Resources' West Virginia Affiliates Recognized for Safety Performance Including Top Award for Surface Mining

BRISTOL, Va., March 11, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Alpha Natural Resources (NYSE:ANR), a leading U.S. coal supplier, is pleased to announce that 10 mines and other facilities operated by its affiliates in West Virginia have been honored for outstanding safety achievements in 2012, including the state's top safety award for surface mining.

Nine operations received the Mountaineer Guardian safety award, while the Republic Energy Surface Mine was awarded the Bart B. Lay, Jr. Milestones of Safety award as the most outstanding surface mine in the state of West Virginia. All operations received the awards at the 40th annual West Virginia Mining symposium on March 7^th in Charleston, W.Va.

The West Virginia Office of Miners' Health, Safety and Training along with the West Virginia Coal Association sponsor this award to promote safety in West Virginia coal mines. The award is presented to selected mines and mining-related entities that meet strict safety criteria. The award recognizes those organizations that manage fatality-free operations, superior internal safety programs, cooperative teaming with authorities and minimal safety violations.

The following Alpha-affiliated operations received the Mountaineer Guardian award:

Underground Operations 
Brooks Run Mining Company, LLC, for the Cucumber Mine 
Brooks Run Mining Company, LLC, for the Saylor B Mine 
White Buck Coal Company for the Grassy Creek No. 1 Mine 
White Buck Coal Company for the Hominy Creek Mine 
Mammoth Coal Company for the Slabcamp Mine 

Preparation Plant
Litwar Processing Company, LLC for the Litwar Processing Plant

Surface Operations
Highland Mining Company for the Reylas Surface Mine (Highland Mine)
White Flame Energy, Inc. for the Superior Surface Mine
Simmons Fork Mining, Inc. for the Ewing Fork No. 1 Mine (Pax Surface Mine)

Paul Vining, Alpha's president, said, "We congratulate our people and operations for their accomplishments in 2012. We are proud of our miners and the work they do every day. These awards underline how important safety is to Alpha and our culture."

About Alpha Natural Resources

Alpha Natural Resources is one of the largest and most regionally diversified coal suppliers in the United States. With mining operations in Virginia, West Virginia, Kentucky, Pennsylvania and Wyoming, Alpha supplies metallurgical coal to the steel industry and thermal coal to generate power to customers on five continents.  Alpha is committed to being a leader in mine safety with our Running Right safety process, and an environmental steward in the communities where we operate. For more information, visit Alpha's official website (www.alphanr.com) .

SOURCE Alpha Natural Resources