Benjamin M. Statler, President/CEO, Pinnoak Resources, Named The

Volume 4, Issue 1, Spring 2004 Black Diamond Page 1

From the Department of Mining Engineering College of Engineering and Mineral Resources West Virginia University

For the latest, visit our web site at Http://www.mine.cemr.wvu.edu/ Volume 4, Issue 1 June 15, 2004 Benjamin M. Statler, President/CEO, PinnOak Resources, named the Distinguished Engineer of Mines, Spring 2004 en Statler, President of Ben Engineered the Creation of PinnOak Resources, LLC B PinnOak Resources, presented the Spring term’s promoted to entrepreneur, as presented in his Poundstone Lecture, “The En- mine superin- lecture. From 1999 through June trepreneurial Acquisition: One tendent for 2003, he engineered the creation Day at a Time . . .” and received Consol within 3 of PinnOak Resources, LLC, of the Distinguished Engineer of years. Ben con- which he is the president and Mines Award on April 22nd, tinued through (See Statler, Page 2) 2004. various man- Mr. Statler was born just agement posi- MAJOR STORIES west of Morgantown, West Vir- tions at Consol ginia as a third generation coal • Ben Startler Named Distinguished Energy until he Engineer of Mines miner. In high school he started reached Senior working for Consolidation Coal Vice-President • EM & MinE Alumni News Company and was thereby mo- of Mining, in • Alumni Feature Articles tivated to pursue a degree in charge of coal mining engineering at West Ben Statler presented the Poundstone Lecture. mines in five • Jim Bunn, Sr., Inducted to the 7th Virginia University. During his Class , WV Coal Hall of Fame college years, Ben continued to neer of Mines degree in 1973. states producing 42 million work midnight shifts for Consol After graduation, Mr. Statler tons annually. • Several Notable Awards and and earned his foreman papers proved to be an energetic and In 1999, Ben moved on to Scholarships before obtaining his B.S. Engi- focused graduate and was the next stage of his career, the • MinE Recruiting Program- Information Seminar

MinE Visiting Committee Met on April 23, 2004 Reviewing the • SMESC Student Activities and State of MinE Program and Interviewing MinE Students for Pro- Class Field Trips gram Improvement

MinE Dept Visiting Committee Members Attending the Meeting, (Left to right) John Murphy, University of Pittsburgh; Jeff Kelley, BSEM ‘81,President, Alcon Planning & Consulting; Scott Pack, BSEM ‘83, RAG American Coal; Ben Statler, BSEM ’74, PinnOak Resources; Jim Boyd, BSEM ‘69, John T. Boyd Co.; (Wahab Khair, MinE/WVU; Dan Alexander, MinE/WVU); Jim Cosaro, BSEM ‘66, Penn Virginia Resources Partners LP; and Walter Scheller, III, BSEM ’86, CONSOL Energy. Volume 4, Issue 1, Spring 2004 Black Diamond Page 2

James Omer Bunn, Sr. Inducted into the 7th Class WV Coal Hall of Fame at the Joint Meeting of WVCMI and WVCA Alumni News Alumni also participated in the • Steve Bessinger (PhDMinE ‘92) Joint Meeting: Michael Amick, ‘87, is Manager of Engineering, San Minova USA, Inc.; Elizabeth Cham- Juan Mine, BHP Billiton’s new berlin, ‘78, CONSOL Energy, Inc.; underground coal mine in Wa- Fred Conner, ‘78, Peabody Energy; terflow, NM. He has a staff of Russel Combs, ‘79, PinnOak Re- more than 20 due to various sources, LLC.; Jim Corsaro, ‘66, sets of problems some of which Penn Virginia Resources Partners are unique to the mine. MinE Co., LLC.; James Dean, ’90, Mining faculty and staff visited his Extension, WVU; Frank Dulin, ‘80, mine on February 20 in con- Swanson Industries; Bob Ellis, ‘88, junction with SME Annual Kanawha Eagle Coal; Larry Evans, Meeting in Denver, CO (See ‘88, Marshall Miller & Associates; San Juan Mine Trip, Page 5). Randy D. Hansford, ‘78, Riverton • Raymond H. Blowers, Jr. (BSEM Coal Production, Inc.; A. Wahab (Left to right) The Bunns: James O. Bunn, II, Kay Bunn, James O. ‘51) died on May 5, 2004 in Khair, BSEM ‘68/MSEM ‘69, MinE, Bunn, Sr., and Joseph Glen Bunn at the 7th Class WV Coal Hall Gallipolis, OH. We are sadden WVU; Chad S. Mooney, ’99, Natural of Fame Installation Ceremony, Glade Springs, Daniel, WV. by the passing of Mr. Blowers. Resource Patners, LP; Gerald Mr. Blowers left a portion of ames O. Bunn, Sr., BSEM the progress report of CERB Swanson, Jr., ‘77, Eastern Associ- his estate in his will to the projects. ated Coal Corp., Peabody Energy; J ‘74, managing member of Department of Mining Engi- The Eagle Companies, Bristol, The following BSEM and David Zatezalo, ‘77, AEP Coal. neering, WVU. VA, was inducted into the West Virginia Coal Hall of Fame at the • Christian J. Breckenridge Joint Meeting of West Virginia back into production. (BSEM ‘94) is a Mining Engi- Coal Mining Institute (WVCMI) This recent fire miti- neer, with Moody and Associ- and West Virginia Coal Associa- gation, along with ates, Inc., Washington, PA. tion (WVCA) at Glade Springs, the other trials and [email protected]. Daniel, WV on May 10, 2004. triumphs in Ben’s life • Daniel Curry (BSMinE ’01) is a From 1981, Mr. Bunn has been serves as a perfect Mining Engineer, Peabody En- heavily involved in acquiring example of his clos- ergy, Eastern Associated Coal coal properties in southern WV ing remarks to the Corp., Federal No. 2 Mine, Fair- and SW Va with his longtime students: “You won’t view, WV. We saw him in the partner F. D. Robertson of reach your goal – or Coal Prepration Plant where he Grundy, VA. Jim is presently your vision – without is a trainee, on April 28, 2004. involved in Kanawha Eagle hurdles. But with • W. Brent Dodrill (BSEM ‘72) is Coal, Coal River Energy, Eagle- patience, persever- a General Manager of Loverdge hawk Carbon, Black Eagle Min- ance and focus … Mine, CONSOL Energy Inc., erals, etc. Jim is also a charter Ben Statler Accepted the Distinguish you’ll have the best Fairview, WV. On behalf of board member of Asian- Engineer of Mines Award. shot. Never give up.” (See Alumni News, Page 6)

American Coal Co., based in (Statler from Page 1) Richmond Va and operating in CEO. PinnOak Resources is the com- China. Mr. Bunn is also a mem- pany that acquired the two remaining ber of the Old-Timer’s Club and USX coal mines, Pinnacle No. 50 Mine Careers-in-Coal. in Pineville, WV and the Oak Grove Mine Jack R. Fairchild near Birmingham, AL. In order to create (deceased), Chairman & Chief this new company, Ben put together a Executive Officer, Fairchild In- highly experienced and knowledgeable ternational, Glen Lyn, VA, and team. He organized financing, worked Marshall S. Miller, Chairman & through multiple business issues and CEO Marshall Miller & Associ- closed the deal June 30, 2003. The ates, Bluefield, VA were also revitalized work force and production at inducted into the WV Coal Hall the two mines was on track when the of Fame at the same Ceremony. Pinnacle Mine experienced a methane MinE faculty attended the Joint explosion in the gob. At this date Pin- A View of the Ben’s lecture attendants including, Alumni, Meeting. Dr. A. Heasley repre- nOak Resources has successfully extin- Students, Faculty and Friends, in the Auditorium. senting MinE, WVU, presented guished the fire and brought the mine Volume 4, Issue 1, Spring 2004 Black Diamond Page 3

Robert E. Murray, Mining Engineer, Murray Energy Corporation, Proud of his Achievement at WVU by Rob Murray The most sig- courages and inspires students nificant life-long to strive for success. The De- BSEM ‘98 attribute that I partment faculty does not ac- developed during cept failure or allow any student am very honored and de- my WVU experi- to become complacent. The I lighted to submit this article ence while prevail- members of the faculty go to commenting on how my WVU ing through count- considerable effort to person- education helped to prepare less academic ally understand the goals and me for my professional career. challenges is objectives of each student to By way of introduction, I am “PERSEVERANCE”. effectively motivate them. The employed by Murray Energy The American faculty is thereby training their Corporation, a family owned Heritage Diction- students to persevere, which in and operated underground and ary’s defines per- turn builds confidence as he or surface coal mining and sales severe as “…to she earns success in achieving Robert E. Murray proudly displays his BS De- enterprise, whose affiliated persist in or remain their goals. gree Certificate from WVU Companies produce a total of constant to a pur- Lastly, I would offer to all approximately 25 million tons pose, idea, or task in the face ultimate goal. But the entire current students that although of clean coal annually from the of obstacles or discourage- process starts with accepting perseverance may not get you Illinois Basin, Pittsburgh No. 8, ment”. How many of you can new challenges and simply not the highest possible grade point and Central Pennsylvania coal relate to this definition in remi- giving up until your goals are average, you will earn the aca- fields. I am currently an Ac- niscing about your academic achieved. The fruits of perse- demic achievement you attain count Executive working in achievements? I’ll bet just verance are exemplified time and, more importantly, gain Marketing and Sales, as well as about every single one of you, and time again throughout his- confidence in your abilities to the Manager of Transportation, including yours truly! tory; for example, from the jour- succeed in your professional Distribution, and Quality Con- You see, it is has been my neys of Christopher Columbus, careers. trol. Additionally, I am currently experience that perseverance to the vision of the Founding enrolling in an Executive MBA breeds success, and subse- Fathers of the American Revolu- program to further my educa- quently, success breeds confi- tion, to the incredible story of Calendar of Events tion. I am very happily married dence. As a working profes- Mr. Bill Gates.

to my wife, Kelli, and we reside sional, one must be confident CEMR’s Department of Fall, 2004 in St. Clairsville, Ohio, with our in their capabilities in order to Mining Engineering faculty and Aug 3-5 23rd International beautiful one year old daugh- enjoy success, which is the staff create a culture that en- Conference on Ground Control

ter, Julia. in Mining, Morgantown, WV.

toured the facilities and re- Sept 17 Mineral Resources MSHA Mine Academy Tour ceived training in mine ventila- Alumni Banquet, Erickson Alumni Center, Morgantown, he students and instructors lation classes visited the MSHA tion, dust regulations and cur- WV. T in the Mine Management Academy in Beaver, WV on April rent issues in mine safety and and Safety, and the Mine Venti- 5-6, 2004. The participants health. The students also ob- Sept 27-30 2004 MINExpo tained train- Las Vagas, NV. ing materials that were of Oct 21-23 WVCMI/SME CAS interest to Joint Meeting, The Greenbrier, them from the White Sulphur Springs, WV. Academy's Oct 21-22 SME/PCMIA Joint wide selection Meeting, Meadowland, PA. of training products. Nov 11 William Poundstone Thanks to all Lecture and Distinguished Engi- the staff of neer of Mines Award, Mineral the Academy Resources Building, Morgan- for the warm town, WV. (left to right) Jim Dean, Michael Moton, Matthew Jordan, Christian Warfield, Kevin welcome they Rakes, Joe Zirkel, Derrick Kiblinger, Jack Toombs, Rizwan Qayyum, Anthony Olajide, Nov 12 MinE Visiting Commit- received. Zhengxing Gu, and Michael Mullins. Dr. Yi Luo is taking the photo. tee Meeting, Morgantown, WV. Volume 4, Issue 1, Spring 2004 Black Diamond Page 4

2004 Recognition Banquet Pramod Thakur, CONSOL CBM Ex-

he annual Min- pert, Presented Coalbed Methane T eral Resources Production in Northern Appalachia (MRAC) Award Ban- quet was held on r. Pramod Thakur, Manager, Coal from uselessly dissipat- April 4, 2004 at the D Seam Degasification, Coal Shared ing into the atmos- Lakeview Resort and Services, CONSOL Energy, Inc. pre- phere. Today, CONSOL Conference Center, sented his experience in developing Energy is the largest Morgantown, WV. coal bed methane (CBM) projects to the coalbed methane pro- MinE alumni turned students and faculty in Mining Engineer- ducer in the Appala- up for the event. ing (MinE), and Petroleum and Natural After a welcome by Gas Engineering (P&NGE) under an Michael John, the Interdisciplinary study program. president of MRAC, More recently, Dr. Thakur explained several awards and Christopher Lilly received the 2004 Old that rather than coal mine safety driving scholarships were Timer Award from Bob Murray. new technology development, the eco- nomics of producing coalbed methane given to the students and faculty. They included the Old Timer Award, the Career in Coal Award, MRAC, WVCMI Awards, Coal & Energy Divi- sion Scholarship, WAIMME Scholarship, and many other Scholarships. Dr. Yi Luo received the Out- standing Faculty Member in Students and faculty attend CBM production lecture by MinE award from Kris Lilly, Dr. Pramod Thakur. President of SMESC. have improved so much that chian Basin. Dr. Thakur led the gas producers like CONSOL are R&D technical group that per- pushing the research forward. fected the drainage methods. Any methane gas drained from Under a DOE contract, CONSOL Dr. Keith Heasley received the the coal seam before mining is demonstrating injection of SME Officer’s award from Kris reduces the amount that needs CO2 into deep, unminable coal Lilly, President of SMESC. to be handled by the ventilation seams to enhance CBM gas system. If it is captured for production and sequester a sale, it also helps pay the bills major Greenhouse Gas. Matthew Jordon received the and prevents a waste product MRAC Award from Gary Smith.

SME Student Chapter The 2nd Runner up for SMESC Annual Report New Officers for 2004- Competition 2005 Kevin Rakes received the President: Kevin Rakes Careers in Coal Award from Vice-President: Lucas O’Neal Richard Bolen. Secretary: Sam Stahle Treasurer: Brandon Williamsons Media: Michael Moton Outreach: Joe Helbig Program: Eric Lilly, Michael Mullins Industry Advisor: Bill Maloney SMESC is the second runner up for 2004 SME Student Chapter Faculty Advisor: Annual Report Competition. The winning team are (left to right): Bill A Wahab Khair Joe Zirkle received the WVCMI Award from Gregory Patterson, Maloney (Industry Advisor), Rebecca Hardy, SMESC Officers: Kevin President of WVCMI. Rakes, Kris Lilly, Joe Zirkle, and Justin Bushneck . Volume 4, Issue 1, Spring 2004 Black Diamond Page 5 MS at Mining Engineering, WVU Can Open Many Doors other continuing education from this program gave by Bob MacDonald programs I had taken previ- me more confidence ously. At the time the Corpora- MSEM ‘98 and a better under- tion had engaged mining ex- standing of how I could perts to assist in dealing with ollowing graduation in 1981 influence change. I be- ground control problems in F from the Technical Univer- gan to author papers on some of our operating mines. sity of Nova Scotia in Canada, I some of the ground These experts were from Brit- took a job with the Cape Breton control problems and ain, USA and Canada. One of Development Corporation, a types of solutions imple- the USA experts was Dr. Syd coal mining company located in mented. This lead to Peng, the MinE Department industrial Cape Breton, Sydney, invitations to speak at Nova Scotia, Canada. During my Chair at WVU. Bob MacDonald made a presentation on Dr. Peng’s Ground Con- time spent in the university I The Corporation’s require- trol Conference, as well ment was for a full masters the development of hydro-geochemical was frequently informed that as as, conferences in Ger- program, however because of model for the abandoned 1A and No. 5 an engineer there would be many, Canada, United the demands in my job I could Mines, Cape Breton Development Corp., many doors made available to Kingdom and Japan. not leave full time. A review was Nova Scotia, Canada on April 7, 2004. me to open. For the past 23 I will leave you with years I have enjoyed working in conducted of various universi- were experiencing significant three things to remember as you eight positions covering areas ties that were carrying a ground ground control problems asso- navigate through your career: of planning, design, project control program. We were inter- ciated with mining at depths The half-life of an engineer is 18 management, engineering man- ested in a university that fo- greater than 700 meters, below months, the world is yours to agement, mine general man- cused specifically on coal min- the Atlantic Ocean. conquer and enjoy what you are ager to my current position of ing and had a strong research Following my graduation doing. General Manager of Real Prop- program that recognized inno- from WVU, I was able to imple- After 18 month of gradua- vation in mining techniques. erty. ment some significant changes tion you will have forgotten half of One of many opportunities Our discussions with Dr. Peng in how our mines approached what you learn to get your degree, that occurred in 1992 was reinforced the fact that WVU strata control underground. so it is important to continue to when I was asked by the Cor- had a progressive Mine Engi- There were many doubtful peo- educate yourself. The world is full peration to take a masters pro- neering program that was rec- ple at first but the training I of opportunities and it is your gram in mine design. This was a ognized worldwide. This was received at WVU gave me a responsibility to yourself to con- big commitment compared to important because our mines strong foundation to build on quer them. And last but not least, and develop a level of confi- enjoy what you are doing, because if you do not enjoy it you San Juan Mine Trip, Farmington, NM, dence with the work force, un- better leave and move on for your February 20, 2004 ions and senior management. benefit and that of your employer. Also, the knowledge gained an Juan Mine owned by right next door, owned by Power S BHP Billiton produces 6.5 New Mexico (photo below), to inE was Control of Very Weak Roof M tons per year. The mine ex- produce 1600 MW electricity. M awarded a pro- tracts Fruitland #8 seam coal This is an exclusive agreement: ject to design and in Illinois Coalfield (about 10,000 BTU/lb) using the mine only supplies this recommend roof bolt- longwall mining. It supplies coal power plant and the power ing plans for the Ver- to the San Juan power plant plant only buys from this mine. milion Grove Portal, Black Beauty Coal Co. (BBC), Ridge farm, IL. The project team visited the Portal as a follow-up to study the results of the trials of various recommended roof bolting plans on Front Row (left to right): Todd Ground (Mine April 12, 2004. Manager), Syd Peng and John Hill (BSEM San Juan ‘76 and Director of Underground Mines). Power Plant Rear Row: Khaled Morsy, Jisheng Han, Yunqing Zhang, Dick Reisinger (Mine Engi- (Left to right) Syd Peng, James Pile, Nigel Goff, Larry Randlet, neer), M. Gadde, Penny Padgett (Sr. Under- Dan Alexander, Keith Heasley (kneeling), Yi Luo, Edin Delic, Yun- ground Geologist). qing Zhang. Felicia Peng and Yunkai Xia are not in the photo. Volume 4, Issue 1, Spring 2004 Black Diamond Page 6 Value-Added Factor for Mining Industry is a High One ence is that the endowed fund by Deborah Miller, JD provision in our will or revoca- Thanks for Think- ble trust to “the West Virginia operates in perpetuity and Director of Planned Giving University Foundation, Inc. for provides an annual payout. It ing of Helping West Virginia University the benefit of the College of may be named for anyone the Foundation, Inc. Engineering and Mineral Re- donor wishes to honor. MinE Department sources’ Department of Mining A named professorship Thinking of making a gift to he “value added” factor for Engineering.” requires a gift of $250,000. It benefit our Department in your T the mining industry is a high Your attorney can add is an endowment and can be will, living trust, IRA, or other one. Without the efforts of min- special language to help your named for someone special. It manner? If so, the proper ing engineers, our nation would- gift meet the Department’s will yield annual support to wording is very important to n’t be able to maximize some of greatest needs for (1) opportu- further an outstanding faculty ensure that your gift works out its most significant natural re- nity funds, (2) professorships, member’s endeavors in mining the way you intended. sources. As an alumnus, you or (3) scholarships. engineering. Have your attorney include a benefited from WVU’s mining What is an opportunity A scholarship is, of provision directed "to the West engineering program, and now I fund? It provides support for course, a good way to support Virginia University Foundation, hope you will consider some unrestricted use by the Depart- future generations of mining Inc. (i.d. #55-6017181) to options to sustain this impor- ment to meet its most pressing engineering students at WVU. benefit MinE Department, tant mission. needs at that time. A gift provi- A gift of $25,000 is needed to CEMR." If you would like further Maximizing the benefits of sion can provide for an en- provide an endowed scholar- assistance with your gift plans, WVU’s mining engineering pro- dowed opportunity fund of ship that will be named for call Bob Bragg, CEMR at (304) gram is something that we can $100,000 or more or for a non- whomever you choose for that 293-4821, or Syd Peng at (304) all consider doing. One helpful endowed opportunity fund of honor. 293-7680. way is through including a gift $25,000 or more. The differ- (Alumni News from Page 2) Massey Energy Created Safety Award in CONSOL, he attended the CEMR’s Capital Campaign Honor of Raymond Bradbury, BSEM ‘46 Celebration dinner on March 27, 2004. • Raymond G. DuBois (BSEM he annual Massey Energy’s ‘79) is president and general T Raymond Bradbury Safety manager of Trapper Mining Award was held on March 17, Inc., Craig, CO with annual 2004 in Charleston, WV. This production around 7 million year the honor went to Nicholas tons. We saw him at the SME Energy. The award was created MRAC Reception on February in honor of WVU’s BSEM gradu- Mr. and Mrs. Ryan Murray. ate Raymond Bradbury (BSEM 24 in Denver, CO. Raymond and Clara Bradbury at 46) who established the award • Mike Duvall (BSEM ‘81) is a plant trip. the Safety Award Banquet. when he was President of Mar- Manager of Engineering with • Ryan Murray (BSMinE ‘02) is tin County Coal before his re- Clara (see photo) were present Arch Coal, Inc., Hobet Mining Assistant Superintendent, tirement. Both Raymond and for the event. Inc. Madison WV. He came to American Energy, Century recruit our students for sum- Mine, Alledonia, OH. He was mer & permanent positions married to Melanie Homan 2004 CEMR Emeritus Club Luncheon on March 10-11, 2004. on April 16, 2004 (see photo • Jeffery Kelley (BSEM ’81) is above). Attending the wed- the President of Alcon Plan- ding and reception from WVU n i n g & C o n s u l t i n g , were: Dan Alexander, Syd & Buckhannon, WV. Felicia Peng, and Wahab • Douglas Montgomery (MSMR Khair, We also saw Ryan ’88) is with RAG Toler BSMinE ‘02 (Federal American Coal, Emerald Mine No. 2 Mine, WV) ; Jim Turner, CEMR Emeritus Club luncheon was held at the Bennet Tower, Evans- Coal Preparation Plant, Rt BSEM ‘98 (Murray Energy dale Campus on April 30, 2004. Alumni who attended the Emeritus 218, Waynesburg, PA. We met Corp., Alledonia, OH); and Club Luncheon were (left to right): Edmund Bookman Jr., (BSEM ‘52), him at Emerald Coal Prepara- Michael Tacosik BSEM Joe Larry (BSEM ‘52) and his wife Louise (not shown), Richard Lee tion plant during a recent (Galatia Mine, IL). (BSEM ‘47), and John Perfater (BSEM ‘54) and his wife Barbara (not (See Alumni News, Page 7) shown). Volume 4, Issue 1, Spring 2004 Black Diamond Page 7

The 135th Commencement, WVU, May 16, 2004 im Dean, Director Welcome Back to J of the CEMR Ex- tension and Out- MinE, Jim Dean reach unit that con- tains both the Min- ing and Industrial Extension programs, returned to teaching in the Mining Engi- neering Department this Spring Semes- ter. (He was a Lec- turer in Mining Engi- Jim Dean, Lecturer in MinE neering from 1991- Department, WVU. Dr. A. W. Khair and The Class of 2004 attending the May Commence- 1994). Jim taught Dr. Syd S. Peng at ment were: (left to right) Sergy Zagreba (MSMinE), MinE 471, the Mine and knowledge I have gained the Commence- Asmaa Yassien (PhDMinE) and Dennis Dolinar Management and from working in Mining Exten- ment. (MSMinE), and Christopher Lilly (BSMinE). Safety course. When sion for the past 10 years can asked about his be a benefit to the students feelings on teaching who are about to enter the (Alumni News from Page 6) in Mining Engineer- mining industry. I believe that • Vincent P. Richardson (BSEM Coal Corp., Peabody Energy, where. He ing again, he said "I the greatest strength of our ‘85) is a Sales Engineer with Fairview, WV. said he am really excited industry is the quality of the Eriez Magnetics, Erie, PA. He likes Flor- • Sergey Zagreba (MSMinE ‘04) about returning to people in it and our students gave a presentation about the ida’s sun- is Operations Manager in the classroom. I feel should be the best." processing equipment to the shine. Training with Vulcan Materials that the experience North West Virginia Coal Co, Atlanta, GA. Preparation & Engineering • Brad Zimmerman (BSMinE The white water Society on March 10, 2004, ‘03) is a management trainee Annual White Water rafting trip on Morgantown, WV. with Florida Rock, Fort Pierce, Rafting Trip April 25, 2004 • Joseph Sweetnich (BSEM FL. He travels a lot and ex- was a “Big ‘80) is a Senior Manager of pects to finish his training this Nasty”. (left to Engineering at Federal No. 2 summer and be assigned a right) Kevin Mine, Eastern Associated management position some- Rakes, Joe Zirkle, Sarah WVU School of Mines Alumni met at the Zirkle, Olayemi Akinkugbe and Royal Palm Beach Resort, St Maarten Keith Heasley.

NIOSH and MSHA Facility Tours on March 24, WVU School of Mines Alumni (a.k.a COMERAC) held its annual meeting at the Royal Palm Beach Resort on the island of St. 2004 Maarten, Netherland Antilles (in the Caribbean). (Left to right) Tim Salvati, BSEM '51 (Summersville, WV), Joseph Larry, BSEM '52 (Left to right) Larry Patts describes the function of the diesel engine (Fairmont, WV), Thomas Howard, BSEM '47 (Mt. Hope, WV), David to Christian Warfield, Justin Bushneck, and Matt Petrovich. Dan Alex- Zegeer BSEM ‘47 (Lexington, KY), John Baugues, BSEM '51 ander, Kris Lilly, Jon Gordon, Rebecca Hardy, Wahab Khair and Joe (Knoxville, TN). Zirkle also attended but are not shown in the photo. Volume 4, Issue 1, Spring 2004 Black Diamond Page 8 Father and Son Enrolled in the Mining Engineering Program By Phyllip Worley better acquainted same solid education his father with the most cur- got at WVU. He lives with his BSEM ‘80 rent theories and wife Amanda, in Morgantown processes for engi- where she is pursuing a Mas- oth Phyllip and Benjamin neering problem ter’s Degree in Occupational B Worley are currently en- solving. He says he Therapy. rolled in the Mining Engineering hasn’t been disap- There is a certain heritage Program at WVU. Phyllip gradu- pointed. both in regard to WVU’s mining ated in 1980 with a BSEM de- Benjamin, his department and to mining for gree and has returned part time middle son, entered the Worley’s. First, there has to pursue a Master’s Degree. WVU as a math been one Worley going to Phyllip’s wife Sherry also began major right out of school here continuously since her college career here and all Phyllip (left) and Benjamin (right) Worley high school but 1965 in fields that either di- three of their sons are students both are currently enrolled in the Mining after a couple of rectly or indirectly are associ- at WVU, but Benjamin has de- Engineering Program, WVU. semesters decided ated with mining. And secondly cided to follow after his dad in only returned to engineering a to follow his father’s footsteps. Benjamin will be the 6th genera- mining. few years ago. He currently He quit and got work as a lation coal miner in this southern Phyllip began his mining works as Senior Manager of borer for Independence Coal WV family, the majority of which career in 1972 with Eastern Engineering at the Harris Mine. Company. Benjamin found the have worked for the same coal Associated Coal Co. as a face- Since his boys were already in work both challenging and sat- company (beginning with the man on the longwall but left Morgantown, he used this op- isfying; the kind of work from old Koppers Co. and currently work to go to school in 1978. portunity to enroll in the Mas- which a career could be fash- the Eastern Associated Coal After making his PE in 1984 he ter’s Program for Mining, desir- ioned. He decided to quit work Corp., subsidiary of Peabody went into underground opera- ing to sharpen old skills and and return to study Mining Engi- Energy). tions mostly on longwalls and develop new ones to become neering and hopes he’ll get the Peabody Energy, Eastern Associated Freshman Information Seminar on Coal Corp., Federal No. 2 Mine for Mining Engineering Major Coal Preparation Plant Trip he freshmen informational oal Preparation class vis- Thanks are due to Blair T seminar on Mining Engi- C ited Peabody Energy, East- McGill (Mine Manager of Federal neering this past fall was very ern Associated Coal Corp., Fed- No.2 Mine), Frank Peduti (Plant successful and helped result in eral No. 2 Mine, Coal Prepara- Manager) and other engineers one of the largest freshmen tion Plant as part of laboratory in the Plant for safety training, Mining Engineering classes in experience. explaining and showing us the many years. For the first time, coal preparation operations. all the freshman engineering students are required to attend seminars given by all majors. At One of the freshman receives a the seminar, Dr. Heasley ex- door prize from Dr. Heasley at the Mining Engineering informational plained some of the details of a career in Mining Engineering seminar. while the freshmen enjoyed pizza and pop. All of the at- Personal Note: tending freshmen received an Alexander was invited to department T-shirts and a num- D be one of the six member ber of door prizes were Peer Review Panel for the US awarded, including a personal Geological Survey's multiyear data assistant (PDA). National Coal Resource Assess- If you know any students ment project. USGS is preparing interested in Mining Engineer- a new Coal Reserve Evaluation for ing, please contact Dr. Keith known US coal resources. The Peer Review Panel will examine Heasley at 304-293-7680 or at the criteria, assumptions and (Left to right) Hongyan Sun, Christian Warfield, Felica Peng, Cade [email protected] methodology used to model the Mason, Joe Zirkle, Kevin Rakes, Jack Toombs, Matt Jordan, Daniel or Dr. Syd Peng at mineable reserves remaining in Curry (BSMinE, ‘03), Michael Mullins, and Gregory Boyce. [email protected]. the US. Volume 4, Issue 1, Spring 2004 Black Diamond Page 9 Alumni, Students, Faculty and Friends Packed at Alumni Reception at 2004 SME Annual Meeting , Denver, CO.

Joe Zirkle Received Coal Joy Machinary Reception (left to right, top to bot- & Energy Div. Scholarship tom): Kris Lilly, Keith Heasley, Joe Zirkle, Justin Bushneck, Syd Peng, Royce Watts, Yi Luo, Wa- hab Khair, Yunkai Xia, Yunquin Zhang, David Tang, Christian Warfield, Rebecca Hardy, Felicia Peng, Edin Delic, Michael Mullins, Olayemi Ak- inkugbe and Lucas O’Neil. Joe Zirkle (left), a senior, received the $2,500 SME Coal & Energy Division (left to right) Greg Hinshaw, Scholarship check from Keith Francis Martino, Doug Heasley, Associate Professor (right), Hardman, Rob Murray, Bob while Dan Alexander looked on. Murray, Felicia Peng and Mike Gaska. Jerry Bay, Michael Canty, Michael Mosser, and Tammy Dickenson (below). (Left to right) Steve Stu- lock. Bill Maloney, Melanie Homan, Dan Alexander, Ryan Murray.

(left to right) Syd Peng, (left to right) Syd Peng, Randy (left to right) Tony Iannacchione, Raymond Dubois and Acre, and Jeff Fleshman. Mike Sapko, and Gerry Finfinger. Wahab Khair, Steve Tadolini and Bill Lepro Division Chair-Elect for SME Coal & (above). Energy Division: Keith Heasley, (left to right) Kevin Congratulation! Wu, Lew Wade, and Y. J. Zhang.

(left to right) Charles Howard, John Stoehr, and Joe Burdett.

(left to right) Jürgen Brune, Syd Peng, Dr. Keith Heasley (Top, the second from left) and Dan Alexander (bottom, Marshall Miller, the second from left) attended SME Coal & Energy Division Executive Royce Watts, and Committee Meeting in 2004 SME Annual Meeting , Denver, CO. Keith Heasley. 365 Mineral Resources Building Non-Profit The Department of Mining Engineering Organization College of Engineering and Mineral Resources U.S. Postage West Virginia University PAID PO Box 6070 Morgantown, WV 26506-6070

Alumni and Friends

Editors: Faculty and staff, MinE Department

Everything starts with mining!

W E ’ RE ON THE WEB! http://www.mine.cemr.wvu.edu/ Greetings from the Chair Dear Alumni and Friends: MS chose to work in stone min- Black Diamond because unex- What Summer Vacation? ing while the other two MS pectedly I had an emergency stayed to work on their PhD. operation on May 25 that set he Spring 2004 William This past year, we saw a strong me back more than three T Poundstone lecture was resurgence of company recruit- weeks in time. However, I must presented by Ben Statler of ing activities. We had a record say I am very fortunate that PinnOak Resources LLC to a number of companies including Felicia, Karen, graduate stu- record attendance. Undoubt- coal, aggregates and related dents and NIOSH friends all edly Ben’s lecture topic and industries came to campus for came to help and kept things achievements are the major interviews. going. The most gratifying ex- reasons. But we also believe We also had a record at- perience was that my graduate that this distinguished lecture tendance for our alumni and students provided a 24-hour friends reception at the SME watch on me during my 8-day series has become better SUMMER STUDENT-Gary Dank- Annual Meeting, in Denver, CO, hospital stay! known, especially in the coal ovchik, a mining Engineering February 24, 2004. There were and supporting services indus- sophomore from Weirton, studies more than 150 alumni and tries. his MATH 156 Calculus 2 home- friends present to renew friend- The class of 2004 which work in the Mountainlair. Danko- ship and show their support. In covered the period from August chik is among thousands of WVU fact, it has become one of the 1, 2003 to May 16, 2004 con- students taking summer courses premier events in SME’s sisted of 8 graduates: one PhD, to fulfill their core curriculum alumni activities. five MS and two BS. We had requirements, earn more hours Finally, I must apologize our first female PhD in mining toward graduation or improve that we are somewhat tardy in engineering graduate soon she their grade-point averages. Sum- the publication of this issue of is returning to Egypt to teach. mer I continues through June 29. Two MS and two BS are now We found this story in WVU’s the working for coal companies and Mountaineer Spirit, June 3, If it can’t be Grown, It must be mined! a roof bolt manufacturer. One 2004.