For Additional Information:
Carol Raulston, (202) 463-2610

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 4, 2002

  • House Concurrent Resolution commemorating rescue of miners on July 27, 2002


    • NMA Joins Members of Congress in Recognizing Outstanding Effort at Pennsylvania Mine Rescue

    "The National Mining Association and its member companies join Members of Congress in their recognition of the skill, cooperation and determination of all those involved in the rescue of the nine Black Wolf Coal Company miners at the Quecreek Mine on July 27, 2002," NMA President Jack Gerard said today upon the introduction of a House Concurrent Resolution commemorating the event.

    "Today, members of the House of Representatives recognized the ’stamina and steadfast courage’ of the nine miners and the outstanding effort made by all those who contributed know-how, equipment and innovative technology to their successful rescue. This is a just tribute to their incomparable persistence and resourcefulness," Gerard continued.

    The resolution, co-sponsored by Representatives Gibbons, Cubin, Murtha, Holden and Matheson, gives special recognition to miners Randy Fogle, Thomas Foy, Harry B. Mayhugh, John Unger, John Phillippe, Ronald Hileman, Dennis Hall, Robert Pugh and Mark Popernack and to the Mine Safety and Health Administration, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, the Pennsylvania Bureau of Deep Mine Safety and local rescue crews who "worked relentlessly to save these nine miners."

    "We're also honored Congress acknowledged the contribution of mining to our nation's standard of living and to our economy," Gerard added. "But more importantly, this resolution honors the productivity, the commitment to safe operations and the dedication of all the fine people in today's modern mining industry."