West Virginia University dedicated a new simulated underground coal mine Friday to be used for miner training. At the dedication of the $1 million facility, located at the WVU Academy for Mine Training and Energy Technologies, officials from the University and the West Virginia Coal Association, as well as a representative for Gov. Joe Manchin, spoke to a crowd that had only standing room left. University President James P. Clements said the packed house indicated the level of involvement needed to accomplish such an ambitious project, noting WVU now has "the best training facility in the country." "You can only get projects like this done with a team effort," he said, noting the training facility epitomizes WVU’s mission and signifies its commitment to safe mining practices. "This is our vision turned into real world issues and coming up with solutions," he said. "It does take a lot of people to make it happen. This is one step, important to improve safety and save lives." The facility is 340 feet long by 110 feet wide and will be used to train new miners and foremen, rescue teams, mine fire brigades and for other specialized training, according to a press release. The simulated mine is built to resemble an actual mine, divided into passageways, chambers and rooms and featuring multiple entryways and crosscuts. It also hosts a burn room for fire training, a feature setting it apart from many other facilities. Initial funding came from the West Virginia Office of Miners’ Health Safety and Training and the West Virginia Division of Energy. Alpha Natural Resources, Consol Energy, HSC Industrial, Joy Continental Product Line, Murray Energy and Patriot Coal donated equipment and materials. Michelle Figaretti, a regional representative for Manchin, said in a statement from the governor, the construction of the new facility signifies West Virginia’s dedication to mine safety. "As we have tragically learned in the past, few things are more important in the Mountain State than the safety and training of our miners," Manchin said in the statement. Chris Hamilton, executive vice president of the West Virginia Coal Association, thanked WVU for its foresight and commitment to the coal industry, saying the facility will help "upgrade the professionalism of today’s modern miner." Despite challenges facing the coal industry, Hamilton is confident the industry will remain viable in today’s market. He hopes the new facility will help West Virginia "realize its energy potential." "With the addition of this facility, we see the University playing an extremely important part in our efforts," Hamilton said.
Simulated coal mine dedicated to help train miners
Published: Sunday, October 18, 2009
Updated: Sunday, October 18, 2009 22:10
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