Oct. 28, 2009 (PR Newswire) -- WASHINGTON, Oct. 28 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Massey Energy (NYSE: MEE) today accepted three Sentinels of Safety Awards in Washington, DC. The annual Sentinels of Safety award program recognizes achievement of outstanding safety records in America's mineral extractive industries. The Sentinels of Safety awards program is co-sponsored by the National Mining Association (NMA) and the Mine Safety and Health Administration. Massey is the first mining company ever to receive three of the mining industry's most prestigious safety awards in one year.

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The three Massey facilities to receive the Sentinels of Safety awards include:

--  Chess Processing, of Elk Run Coal Company, in the Large Coal Processing
Facility Group
--  Chesterfield Preparation Plant, of Omar Mining Company, in the Small
Coal Processing Facility Group

--  North Surface Mine, of Alex Energy, Inc., in the Small Surface Coal
Group

"At Massey Energy, we embrace our commitment to safety at all levels -- from executive to miner. The Sentinels of Safety awards reflect the Company's dedication to safety at all of our facilities," said Massey Chairman and CEO Don L. Blankenship. "No coal company can succeed over the long term without a total commitment to safety. More importantly, Massey is a family. We care about protecting our fellow members, which is why we strive to remain an industry leader in safety," added Mr. Blankenship.

2008 marked the safest year in Massey history, and fifth straight year in which Massey's safety performance was stronger than the industry average. In fact, Massey's safety performance has been stronger than the industry average for 16 of the past 18 years.

The Sentinels of Safety awards recognize facilities with the lowest "no days lost" injury incidence rate, with the tie breaker being the most employee hours worked. The bronze-colored trophy remains in the custody of the mining operation for approximately one year. The operation then receives a replica trophy and the bronze trophy is transferred to the following year's winning operation.

Massey Energy Company, headquartered in Richmond, Virginia, with operations in West Virginia, Kentucky and Virginia, is the largest coal producer in Central Appalachia and is included in the S&P 500 Index.

SOURCE Massey Energy Company