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Foundation Coal Employees Recognized For Contributions to Mining Industry

Posted on: Monday, 17 October 2005, 12:00 CDT

Two Foundation Coal (NYSE:FCL) employees, Michael R. Mishra and John M. Gallick were honored on October 14th in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania by the Society for Mining Metallurgy and Exploration (SME) and Pittsburgh Coal Mining Institute of America (PCMIA) for their exceptional mining career performances, positive involvement and leadership as mining industry professionals. Mishra was presented the Distinguished SME Membership Award and Gallick the Donald S. Kingery Memorial Award for significant contributions to the improvement of mine safety and health programs.

An SME member, mining engineer veteran of more than 30 years and president of Foundation Coal affiliate, Pennsylvania Services Corporation, Mishra was recognized for bringing great credit upon himself and the industry through delivering outstanding management and engineering expertise. Mishra's contributions include co-authoring articles and opinions for professional publications and journals, authoritative knowledge in the management and deployment of longwall technology as well as his unrelenting support and mentorship of industry professionals.

Mishra holds a master's degree in mining engineering from Pennsylvania State University and a bachelor of mining engineering degree with honors from the Indian Institute of Technology. He holds professional membership with SME and serves as a director of the Pennsylvania Coal Association and possesses certifications as a registered land surveyor, professional engineer and mine foreman.

According to Foundation Coal Corporation's senior vice president, eastern operations, Jim Bryja, "The mining industry has expanded and flourished as a direct result of Mike's efforts. Additionally, Foundation Coal has been the benefactor from Mike's instrumental efforts in the start-up of the 1,450 foot wide longwall face of Foundation's highly-productive affiliate, Emerald Coal Resources, LP."

Gallick's award was given for his deep commitment to the improvement of work environments for coal miners at underground mines, preparations plant as well as surface operations. Gallick's most notable achievements have been in the area of mine emergency preparedness and mine rescue. During his career Gallick coordinated and supervised emergency recovery operations at a major mine facility. In addition, he has heightened awareness and support of mine rescue through policy formation on a company-wide and national basis.

John Murphy, chairman, PCMIA Awards Committee, presented the awards at the joint assembly. According to Murphy, "John Gallick has distinguished himself, and his company as an advocate for miner's safety based on a career over 33 years of fostering mine health and safety."

A native of Pennsylvania, he began his mining career in 1972 with Bethlehem Steel Corporation as an hourly laborer and went on to become safety and health director at Foundation Coal.

Gallick is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh and holds a masters of science degree in safety science from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. He has received certifications in the State of Pennsylvania as an emergency medical technician, assistant mine foreman, mine safety health administration (MSHA) coal dust/noise, mine rescue and surface & underground annual trainer.

Foundation Coal Holdings, Inc., through its affiliates, is a major U.S. coal producer with 13 coal mines and related facilities in several states including Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Illinois, and Wyoming. Through its subsidiaries Foundation Coal employs approximately 2,900 people and produces approximately 65 million tons annually, largely for utilities generating electricity. Foundation's corporate offices are in Linthicum Heights, MD.

Source: Business Wire

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