The Alpha Foundation believes that good scientific research on mine safety and health is a key to sustaining the viability of the mining sector. Only by knowing what the facts are industry, labor and the public officials can make sound decisions on practices and policies that support the safety and health of the workforce and that of the mining communities at large.”

Dr. Michael Karmis, Stonie Barker Professor, Department of Mining and Minerals Engineering & Director, Virginia Center for Coal and Energy Research, Virginia Tech