Alpha Natural Resources' Running Right Leadership Academy is Tops Among Corporate Universities

BRISTOL, Va., Nov. 18, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Alpha Natural Resources Inc.'s (NYSE: ANR) Running Right Leadership Academy (RRLA) has been named the Best in Class among internal training organizations and corporate universities by the Corporate Learning Network.

The Corporate University Best in Class or CUBIC Awards are given annually to those internal training organizations and corporate universities that set standards of excellence in a variety of categories relating to performance and results. 

The Running Right Leadership Academy is a state-of-the-art education facility and comprehensive training ground for safety and operational excellence located in Julian, W. Va., just outside Charleston.

Alpha Natural Resources Vice President for Learning and Development, Cheryl Stapleton, believes RRLA won the honor because of its comprehensive and holistic approach to developing a valuable learning experience.  Stapleton said, "Providing learning opportunities designed to blend technology and simulations to shift behaviors to drive business results is another example of how we demonstrate Running Right."

The RRLA contains facilities and equipment for supervisory leadership skills training, plus a virtual reality lab with simulators to provide training on a continuous mining machine, roof bolter, scoop and haul truck.  Those participating in training at the RRLA can use multiple labs for electrical, maintenance and welding instruction.  In addition, workers can train in a 96,000 square foot mine lab that simulates real mine situations and conditions. The Running Right Leadership Academy also houses a command center for mine rescue and emergency preparedness training.

Alpha Natural Resources Chairman and CEO Kevin Crutchfield said, "The Running Right Leadership Academy is a commitment to our people and the future of the industry.  We believe investing in the safety of our people is essential, and we're proud that our efforts have been recognized by the Corporate Learning Network, as well as the thousands of our co-workers, and even competitors who choose this facility for their training."

Crutchfield said RRLA "was built by coal miners for coal miners.  It was designed to make miners feel comfortable and enjoy their training experience.  It serves as a demonstration of Alpha's core belief in safety, and an extension of Alpha's employee-driven Running Right safety philosophy, which focuses on eliminating at-risk behavior through employee observation and reporting."

The Running Right Leadership Academy opened in June 2013, and in addition to serving its primary purpose as a training facility, has hosted many guests, including international delegations and a number of leaders and dignitaries here in the U.S.  The RRLA provides classroom space for up to 300 people and served 22,000 in its first year, providing more than 220,000 hours of training. 

About Alpha Natural Resources
Alpha Natural Resources is one of the largest and most regionally diversified coal suppliers in the United States. With affiliate mining operations in Virginia, West Virginia, Kentucky, Pennsylvania and Wyoming, Alpha supplies metallurgical coal to the steel industry and thermal coal to generate power to customers on five continents.  Consistent with its Running Right process, Alpha is committed to being a leader in mine safety and an environmental steward in the communities where its affiliates operate. For more information, visit Alpha's website (www.alphanr.com).  

SOURCE Alpha Natural Resources Inc.