Chris Williamson will visit the WVU Academy for Mine Training and Energy Technologies to acknowledge accomplishments in mine emergency preparedness today (Oct. 30).
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 United States. 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 University Mine Rescue teams and staff to discuss training and education.
WVU received a $173,543 Brookwood-Sago grant in 2024 to support mine rescue and fire brigade training enabling 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 Sago Mine in Buckhannon in 2006 and at the Jim Walter Resources #5 Mine in Brookwood, Alabama, in 2001.