BIRMINGHAM, AL -- (Marketwired) -- 06/10/14 -- A Walter Energy, Inc. (NYSE: WLT) mine rescue team placed first in the Alabama Coal Association Mine Rescue Competition held at Bevill State Community College on May 20-22, 2014.
The Jim Walter Resources Blue Creek Team from Brookwood, Alabama placed first in Combination Mine Rescue & First-Aid competition and was the top team on Mine Rescue Day 1. In addition, team captain, Ricky Lewis, accepted the prestigious Koenig In-State Trophy for best performance by an in-state team on behalf of the Blue Creek Team.
"Competition helps prepare our teams to safely and effectively resolve a mine emergency," said Dale Byram, Walter Energy's Health & Safety Director. "Our people train hard for these competitions. They're true professionals."
Mine rescue teams are made up of volunteer miners who are trained to respond to emergency mine situations for their mines and other coal mines statewide. Mine rescue members make a year-long commitment with many hours dedicated to studying and practicing, as well as participating in local and state competitions.
About Walter Energy
Walter Energy is a leading, publicly traded "pure-play" metallurgical coal producer for the global steel industry with strategic access to high-growth steel markets in Asia, South America and Europe. The company also produces thermal coal, anthracite, metallurgical coke and coal bed methane gas. Walter Energy employs approximately 3,100 employees, with operations in the United States, Canada and United Kingdom. For more information about Walter Energy, please visit www.walterenergy.com.
Contact:
Thomas F. Hoffman
Vice President, Communications
205-745-2612
tom.hoffman@walterenergy.com
