Media Advisory: Assistant Secretary for MSHA Williamson to visit WVU, honor first responders on Mine Rescue Day

WVU Mine Rescue Team training at the WVU Academy for Mine Training and Energy Technologies. (WVU Photo/Paige Nesbit

Assistant Secretary for Mine Safety and Health Chris Williamson will visit the West Virginia University Academy for Mine Training and Energy Technologies in Core, West Virginia, on Oct. 30 to acknowledge accomplishments in mine emergency preparedness.

The visit coincides with the annual commemoration of Mine Rescue Day, established in 2013 to recognize the dedication and sacrifice of volunteers who put their lives at risk to save other miners. More than 250 mine rescue teams are currently certified and equipped to perform rescue operations in the U.S. The teams regularly train and compete in mine rescue simulations throughout the nation to ensure readiness.

During his visit, Assistant Secretary Williamson will meet with the academy’s Mine Rescue Teams and university staff and discuss their training and education. West Virginia University received a $173,543  Brookwood-Sago grant in 2024 to support mine rescue and fire brigade training to enable miners to respond to emergencies such as underground coal mine fires and support surface infrastructure.

Established under the  Mine Improvement and New Emergency Response Act of 2006, the grant program honors 25 miners who perished in mine disasters at the Jim Walter Resources #5 mine in Brookwood, Alabama, in 2001 and at the Sago Mine in Buckhannon, West Virginia, in 2006.

WHO: Assistant Secretary for Mine Safety and Health Chris Williamson 
West Virginia University Mining Extension Department Director Josh Brady
West Virginia University Mining Extension Department Extension Agent John Helmick
West Virginia University Mining Extension Department Extension Agent Joshua Caldwell
West Virginia University Mine Rescue Team students and advisory members

WHAT: Media availability, followed by a facility tour and equipment demonstrations

WHERE: West Virginia University Academy for Mine Training and Energy Technologies

2870 Little Indian Creek Road, Core, WV 26541

WHEN:  Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2024

Media availability: 10 to 10:15 a.m. EDT

Tour and demonstrations: 10:15 to 11 a.m.

RSVP: Interested media, please RSVP to paige.nesbit@mail.wvu.edu or call 304-293-4135

Media Contacts:

Paloma Renteria, 202-579-1643, renteria.paloma.b@dol.gov 

Frances Alonzo, 202-997-6977, frances.alonzo@dol.gov

Release Number: 24-2236-NAT

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