July 12, 2019 - Virginia’s mineral mining industry is receiving recognition for a terrific safety record and for outstanding reclamation of mined land during 2018. Miners recorded over four million hours of work without lost time accidents.

The Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy (DMME) and the Virginia Transportation and Construction Alliance (VTCA) award mines and miners annually for outstanding work in both areas.

“Safety is DMME’s first priority for the companies operating mines in the Commonwealth,” said DMME’s Mineral Mining Director Phil Skorupa. “When we combine efforts with the mine operators and the VTCA, we instill a strong safety culture at each mining operation. These employees are committed to safety and they deserve recognition for completing a year accident-free.”

In 2018, Virginia’s mines employed 2,930 production employees and 3,952 contract employees. Production employees worked 4,865,130 hours and contract employees worked 972,010 hours producing 64,845,434 tons. During 2018, 231 mineral mines in Virginia worked without having a lost time accident.

Safety and reclamation awards recognizing mine operators are presented during the VTCA’s Annual Conference at the Homestead in Hot Springs on Saturday.

The top eight mines were awarded for their safety records.