Alpha Reports Record Earnings

{Abingdon, Virginia}...Abingdon, Virginia-based Alpha Natural Resources reported third quarter earnings Thursday of $66.4 million. The total more than doubles Alpha's third quarter performance from 2010 of $31.9 million. The company reports total revenues at a record $2.3 billion, due largely to the contributions of the newly acquired Massey Energy operations. CEO Kevin Crutchfield says Alpha is now well positioned for success as the third largest supplier of metallurgical coal globally and with the largest export capacity of any U.S. producer. Crutchfield emphasized his company's commitment to changing the safety culture of the former Massey operations and said the efforts are showing strong results. Crutchfield says Alpha anticipates continued improvement in safety performance, enhanced productivity and meaningful synergies from fostering a unified 'Running Right' culture. Congressman George Miller, D-California, said earlier this week he sees contradictions with Alpha's promise to run right. Miller said he was concerned with Alpha's decision to hire several Massey managers, including those who refused to testify as part of the investigation into the tragedy at the Upper Big Branch Mine. Miller also said Alpha is fighting violations at some former Massey operations.