In addition to the distinction of being in the oldest independent coal company in the United States, Westmoreland Coal Company is also a leader in mine reclamation and environmental stewardship.
Westmoreland Coal Company and Westmoreland Resource Partners recently announced that their Daron-Consol Mine received the Active Mine Reclamation Award for the Appalachian Region from the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement for going above-and-beyond in the company’s reclamation efforts.
The Daron Mine was recognized for mining and reclaiming nearly 40,000 feet of abandoned high-wall, which was previously mined in the 1960s and early 1970s. Westmoreland’s efforts have now created 16,900 feet of continuous stream channel; filled dozens of slurry impoundments; and created 23 acres of wetlands and grazing lands.
And this is not the company’s first time being honored for leading the industry in exemplary reclamation practices – it’s Westmoreland’s third award in just five years.
“Our Ohio operations exemplify the reclamation standards of the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement, as well as Westmoreland’s core value of environmental stewardship. With great vision, a comprehensive plan, and a strong dedication to doing right, all the credit goes to our coal miners who take great pride in reclaiming mined lands to a condition equal to or better than pre-mining,” said Joseph Micheletti, executive vice president of operations for Westmoreland Coal Company.
Westmoreland’s coal operations include surface coal mines in the United States and Canada, underground coal mines in Ohio and New Mexico, a char production facility, and a 50 percent interest in an activated carbon plant.