Patriot Coal Receives Safety And Reclamation Awards

ST. LOUIS, March 11, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Patriot Coal Corporation (OTC: PCXCQ) today announced that it received three Mountaineer Guardian Safety Awards from the West Virginia Coal Association. The following preparation plants received this prestigious safety award in their respective categories:

• Fanco preparation plant and loadout at the Logan County mining complex;
• Coal Clean preparation plant at the Panther mining complex; and
• Rocklick preparation plant at the Rocklick mining complex.

Mountaineer Guardian Safety Awards are presented each year by the West Virginia Coal Association to mining operations that demonstrate a strong commitment to safety.  Inspectors for the West Virginia Office of Miners' Health, Safety & Training nominate facilities based on numerous safety-related criteria, including below average injury incidence rates and effective safety programs. 

Additionally, the Company's Guyan surface mine in the Logan County complex received an award from the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection in recognition of exemplary reclamation.

"The safety of our employees is our highest priority.  Our comprehensive safety program is designed to promote a safe workplace with the goal of zero accidents every shift of every day.  We are pleased that the success at these three operations is being recognized with Mountaineer Guardian Safety Awards," noted Patriot President and Chief Executive Officer Bennett K. Hatfield.  "Moreover, we are delighted to once again be recognized for outstanding reclamation at the Guyan surface mine.  This is the eighth reclamation award the Guyan Mine has received over the last five years."

About Patriot Coal

Patriot Coal Corporation is a producer and marketer of coal in the eastern United States, with 11 active mining complexes in Appalachia and the Illinois Basin.  Patriot ships to domestic and international electricity generators, industrial users and metallurgical coal customers, and controls approximately 1.8 billion tons of proven and probable coal reserves.

SOURCE Patriot Coal Corporation