Westmoreland’s Beulah Mine Wins Lignite Energy Council Safety Award
Westmoreland Coal Company (AMEX: WLB) announced today that Dakota Westmoreland Corporation’s Beulah Mine has received the Lignite Energy Council’s Distinguished Safety Award for power plants and mines. The Beulah Mine had an exceptional safety record in 2006, completing the entire year with only one lost-time accident. As of December 31, 2006, the Beulah Mine had worked 193 days without a lost-time accident and continues to build on that record having worked 313 days without an accident resulting in lost-time. Its accident rate of 0.71 compares to the U.S. surface mining industry average of 1.53 for 2006 as reported by the Mine Safety Health Administration.
“The lignite users and producers in this region believe that the efficient production of a low-cost, reliable energy source cannot be achieved without serious attention to the health and safety of their employees,” said John Dwyer, president of the Lignite Energy Council. “That’s why we acknowledge those companies that are leading the way in the field of safety.”
Christopher K. Seglem, Chairman, President and CEO of Westmoreland Coal Company added: “Safety is Westmoreland’s first priority, and we congratulate the employees of the Beulah Mine for this wonderful achievement. We also sincerely thank the Lignite Energy Council for recognizing their efforts and for promoting superior safety performance within the lignite industry.”
The Beulah Mine is a 9,300-acre surface mining complex located 75 miles northwest of Bismarck, North Dakota. Coal from the mine supplies the fuel requirements for the adjacent 420 MW Coyote Generating Station and the two-unit 100 MW Heskett Station, located 74 miles away. The mine produces approximately 3.0 million tons of lignite a year.
Westmoreland Coal Company is the oldest independent coal company in the United States and a developer of highly clean and efficient independent power projects. The Company’s coal operations include coal mining in the Powder River Basin in Montana and lignite mining operations in Montana, North Dakota and Texas. Its current power operations include ownership and operation of the two-unit ROVA coal-fired power plant in North Carolina, an interest in a natural gas-fired power plant in Colorado, and the operation of four power plants in Virginia. Westmoreland is implementing a growth strategy dedicated to meeting America’s dual goals of low-cost power and a clean environment through the acquisition and development of complementary, niche opportunities in coal, power and other segments of the energy sector. For more information visit www.westmoreland.com.