2008 Excellence in Surface Mining Awards (Active Mining)

2008 Excellence in Surface Mining Awards (Active Mining) - Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement 2008 - Publication VID-008 - Editor's note: Mines are located in IL, IN, TX, WV, and WY (Las Vegas, NV) Eight coal mine operations in five states gained top honors in the annual competition overseen by the US Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSM). The coal mining companies and their employees were recognized at an awards luncheon hosted by the National Mining Association. "These awards recognize the highest achievements in innovative techniques, reforestation, preparing mined land for long term agricultural use and building enduring community infrastructure" OSM Director Brent Wahlquist said. "All of the entries demonstrated a commitment to the environment and the coal field community," he continued "which is especially important as nearly half of our electricity comes from coal.