The Register-Herald, Beckley, West Virginia

State News

August 17, 2012

Arch Coal teams take 2 mine rescue championships

Associated Press

Arch Coal is touting the recent victories of its mine rescue teams at annual competitions.

St. Louis-based Arch says the Cumberland River Coal blue team bested 36 others from six states last week at the Virginia Mining Institute. It was the team’s second consecutive championship, and Cumberland River was the only team to record a perfect score during the two-day contest in Blacksburg.

Mingo Logan Coal’s Mountain Laurel’s gold team, meanwhile, bested 18 others at the Harlan County Safety Days late last month in Kentucky. Two other Arch teams finished in the top 10 there.

Senior vice president of operations Kenneth Coch-ran says miners depend on well-trained rescue teams in an emergency, so their success is gratifying.

Rescue-team volunteers compete regularly in challenges that include first aid, mapping and firefighting.

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