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ST. LOUIS, Oct. 26 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Peabody Energy has earned two environmental honors from the Commonwealth of Kentucky and the Kentucky Coal Association for the company's restoration of about 850 acres near Wheatcroft, Ky., that has resulted in the creation of pasture for livestock, and thriving habitats for fish and wildlife.

The Department of Natural Resources 2010 Commissioner's Award of Excellence in Reclamation recognizes Peabody's outstanding work to restore the former underground mine surface lands in Webster and Union counties.  The Kentucky Division of Mine Reclamation and Enforcement nominated Peabody, citing the company's exceptional work and environmental commitment in restoring the site that Peabody acquired but never mined. 

The Department of Natural Resources and the Kentucky Coal Association also jointly honored Peabody's environmental leadership on the same project and presented the company with the Outstanding Reclamation Award.

The site's restoration began in 2004, and was completed this past May.  Peabody removed all mine structures including concrete silos, access slopes and ventilation shafts.  A large part of the project included reclaiming a 400-acre fill and adjacent impoundment while creating highly effective drainage control as a part of the process.  Peabody also exceeded state requirements for soil replacement and seeding across much of the restored lands.

"During this complex restoration project, our environmental team created a healthy, sustainable environment for plants and wildlife in Kentucky," said Eric Ford, Peabody Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer.  "Peabody has a tradition of being a good neighbor. This includes returning lands to a condition that is equal to or better than before mining occurred and often more productive than native lands."

Peabody restored more than 3,700 acres companywide, planted more than 250,000 trees and recycled more than 19,000 tons of materials in 2009, while creating $15 billion in direct and implied economic benefits in communities around the world.

Peabody Energy (NYSE: BTU) is the world's largest private-sector coal company and a global leader in clean coal solutions.  With 2009 sales of 244 million tons and $6 billion in revenues, Peabody fuels 10 percent of U.S. power and 2 percent of worldwide electricity.

SOURCE Peabody Energy