Alpha Natural Resources Affiliates Receive Seven West Virginia Safety Awards / Kenneth Perdue Named Coal Safety Leader of the Year

ABINGDON, Va., May 26 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Alpha Natural Resources, Inc. , a leading U.S. coal producer, today announced that seven of its affiliates' mining operations were recognized for their safety performance at the 27th Annual West Virginia State Joseph A. Holmes Safety Association meeting held May 21-22, 2010 at the Stonewall Resort in Roanoke, W.Va.

The West Virginia state safety awards were presented to underground mines, surface mines and preparation plants from the West Virginia Council of the Joseph A. Holmes Safety Association for their exemplary safety achievements from Oct. 1, 2008 through Sept. 30, 2009. Alpha affiliates received seven state awards, the highest number of awards presented at the banquet.

The following recipients were nominated by state regional inspectors and selected by the West Virginia Holmes Safety Council:

Underground Mines: ------------------ 301,000 to 500,000 ton Category -- Cucumber Mine, Brooks Run Mining Company, LLC. 202,669 hours worked 1.97 NFDL rate 500,001-1,000,000 ton Category -- Poplar Ridge No. 1, Brooks Run Mining Company, LLC. 204,673 hours worked 1.95 NFDL rate 500,001- 1,000,000 ton Category -- Glen Alum Mine (Kingston 1 Mine), Kingston Mining, Inc. 262,197 hours worked 0.76 NFDL rate Surface Mines: -------------- 100,001-300,000 ton Category -- Paynter Branch, Simmons Fork Mining, Inc. 68,129 hours worked 0.00 NFDL rate for five consecutive years 500,001-1,000,000 ton Category -- Ewing Fork No. 1, Simmons Fork Mining, Inc. 190,457 hours worked 0.00 NFDL rate for four consecutive years 500,001-1,000,000 ton Category -- White Flame Surface Mine, White Flame Energy, Inc. 237,528 hours worked 0.84 NFDL rate Preparation Plants ------------------ -- Litwar Plant, Litwar Processing Company, LLC 55,170 hours worked 0.00 NFDL rate for five consecutive years

Frank Matras, leader of Alpha's Southern West Virginia business unit, said, "I am extremely proud of the Cucumber, White Flame, and Litwar Processing work groups for their commitment and hard work on a day-to-day basis in their constant efforts to promote a safe work environment for all their employees. These work units continue to put in practice the concept of Running Right in all aspects of their jobs. These awards are a testimony to their hard work and dedication."

Mark Schuerger, head of Alpha's Northern West Virginia business unit, commented, "I congratulate our people at Ewing Fork, Kingston, Paynter Branch and Poplar Ridge for this well deserved recognition. These awards are a reflection of their desire to work safely every day and their dedication to Running Right."

Kenneth Perdue, Alpha Natural Resources director of operations safety, was named 2009 Coal Safety Leader of the year. The prestigious award was introduced in 1985 to recognize those who contribute to the prevention of the injury and fatality rates at mining operations in West Virginia, Ohio and Maryland. Perdue has 37 years of mining experience, six of which are with Alpha.

Randy McMillion, Alpha's executive vice president and chief administrative officer, commented, "Ken has gone well beyond what's required in his unwavering devotion to improve safety. Never have I witnessed a greater level of compassion and absolute concern for others."

"The proactive attitude of the men and women in Alpha's workforce has led to numerous federal and state safety awards. These awards are proof and validation of their commitment to our Running Right core safety values."

About Alpha Natural Resources

Alpha Natural Resources is one of America's premier coal suppliers with affiliate coal production capacity of more than 90 million tons a year. Alpha and its affiliated operations are the nation's 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 6,400 people and operates more than 60 mines and 14 coal preparation facilities in the regions of Northern and Central Appalachia and the Powder River Basin. More information about Alpha can be found on the company's Web site at http://www.alphanr.com/.

Alpha Natural Resources, Inc.

CONTACT: Media, Ted Pile, [phone], [e-mail], or Rick
Nida, [phone], [e-mail], or Investors, Todd Allen, CFA,
[phone], [e-mail], all of Alpha Natural Resources, Inc.

Web Site: http://www.alphanr.com/