Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals, and Energy Wins Multiple Awards

The Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals, and Energy in Big Stone Gap is receiving honors for the creation of safety training programs.

The department received two awards from the Interstate Mining Compact Commission, including the Coal Underground Mining Safety and Health Training Award, and Metal/Nonmetal Surface Mining and Health Training Award. The department earned the honors for their weekly Mine Safety Minute videos on common safety issues in mining and the Open Pit Miner Apprenticeship program, designed to create a more knowledgeable and safer mining workforce.

DMME Deputy Director Butch Lambert says the mining team is always looking for creative ways to ensure miners are educated and refreshed as often as possible. The awards will be presented at the IMCC’s annual meeting in Tuscon later this week.