The expert mine rescue team from American Energy Corporation’s Century Mine took first place in all three components of the 2011 Ohio Mine Safety Competition, held June 22 at the J.L.S. Mine Training Center in Cadiz.

The first place awards for American Energy Corporation, which is part of Murray Energy Corporation, were in the field exercise, smoke event and bench contest

“Safety is the primary concern in all our mining operations, and having a well-trained rescue team provides a level of preparedness and safety that benefits all of our miners,” said Kevin Hughes, superintendent and general manager of American Energy Corporation in Beallsville. “We are extremely proud of our mine rescue team and support them in their dedication to emergency preparedness. There simply is no substitute for being prepared and knowing what to do in an emergency.”

Despite a friendly rivalry between the Murray Energy subsidiaries and all of the teams that competed, the company said emergency mine rescue preparedness is a serious aspect of mine safety.