Alpha Natural Resources Affiliate Recognized for Environmental Practices

ABINGDON, Va. - On June 22, 2011 Coal Gas Recovery, LLC (CGR), an affiliate of Alpha Natural Resources, Inc. (NYSE: ANR), recently received the Southwestern Virginia Technology Council's High Tech Excellence in Green Technology Award. The award recognizes businesses in the region that have put environmentally sound practices in place while embracing technological advances. CGR won the award for the development of its coal mine methane (CMM) recovery program. Regulatory agencies such as the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) require methane gas be removed from underground coal mines. Instead of releasing methane—a potent greenhouse gas—into the atmosphere, CGR uses surface directional wells to remove large volumes of methane, which is then purified in CGR's state-of-the-art gas processing plant and injected into America's interstate pipeline system where it becomes a new American source of energy. "By recovering methane from the mines, we are providing an energy source that would otherwise have to come greater distances, some from outside the United States. Removing the gas has made underground mines safer and it has also reduced the amount of vented greenhouse gas," said Joseph D'Amico, Vice President Gas Technology "We are thrilled to be recognized by the SWVTC for our efforts. Alpha is committed to doing what is right for the environment." About Alpha Natural Resources Alpha Natural Resources is one of America's premier coal suppliers with coal production capacity of 126 million tons a year. Alpha is a leading supplier and exporter of metallurgical coal used in the steel-making process and is a major supplier of thermal coal to electric utilities and manufacturing industries across the country. The company, through its affiliates, employs approximately 14,000 people and operates more than 150 mines and 40 coal preparation facilities in the regions of Northern and Central Appalachia and the Powder River Basin.

Melvin Wylie