MOUNTAIN LAKE PARK, Md., Aug. 6, 2014 -- Arch Coal, Inc. (NYSE:ACI) today announced that Vindex Energy Corporation has received the 2013 Excellence in Reforestation regional award from the Appalachian Regional Reforestation Initiative (ARRI). The award recognizes Vindex's Maryland-based operations for its exemplary performance among mines in seven states.
"Vindex's efforts truly represent the best of the best in using the Forestry Reclamation Approach," said Thomas Shope, regional director of the U.S. Department of Interior'sOffice of Surface Mining.
General Manager Jeff Kelley and Superintendents Rusty Bush and Rich Riggins accepted the award on behalf of the company. Vindex, which is an operating subsidiary of Arch Coal, has earned Maryland State Excellence in Reforestation Award in 2012, 2008 and 2007, as well as the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection's 2013 Reclamation Award and the Maryland Land Reclamation Committee's 2012, 2011 and 2009 Reclamation Awards for outstanding mine-reclamation accomplishments.
"Congratulations to the team at Vindex for earning respect for best practices in Appalachia," said Gary Bennett, president of Arch's Eastern operations. "This wide recognition shines light on the company's enthusiasm for environmental care."
The ARRI coalition was formed in 2004 and is supported by the U.S. Department of the Interior'sOffice of Surface Mining. The Maryland Department of the Environment adopted the Forestry Reclamation Approach in 2005. The approach expedites the establishment of forest habitat and encourages planting of high-value hardwood trees. More information is available at www.arri.osmre.gov.
U.S.-based Arch Coal, Inc. is one of the world's top coal producers for the global steel and power generation industries, serving customers on five continents. Its network of mining complexes is the most diversified in the United States, spanning every major coal basin in the nation. The company controls more than 5 billion tons of high-quality metallurgical and thermal coal reserves, with access to all major railroads, inland waterways and a growing number of seaborne trade channels.
