NEWS RELEASE
FRANKFORT, Ky. – Lt. Gov. Jenean Hampton last week spent time in Union and Henderson counties as she visited a coal mine for the first time, promoted her new entrepreneurship competition with local high school students and toured Big Rivers Sebree Station.
“My first experience in a coal mine was absolutely incredible,” said Lt. Gov. Hampton. “Coal is a critical part of Kentucky’s economy and I am so appreciative of the hard work coal miners put in to keep the lights on in Kentucky.”
Lt. Gov. Hampton began her day by speaking with students from Union County High School. She shared her personal story of overcoming obstacles, encouraged students to dream big and invited students to participate in her new entrepreneurship competition.
From Union County High School, Lt. Gov. Hampton made her way to River View Mine for her first experience in a coal mine. River View Mine is the largest room-and-pillar mining operation in the United States. She was given safety training, suited up in coveralls and steel-toed boots and then traveled nearly 500 feet underground to see the coal mining process.
Lt. Gov. Hampton saw the mining process from start to finish. The process began with a continuous mining machine crunching through solid rock, roof bolters installing overhead supports, shuttle cars transporting the newly mined materials and a conveyor belt moving those materials to the surface.
After the coal mine experience, Lt. Gov. Hampton made her way to Sebree Station. She was there to tour the facility but also to celebrate Big Rivers’ track record of distinguished employee safety. Sebree Station is currently approaching 2,500,000 man hours without a lost time accident.
“I commend Sebree Station on a job well done in terms of emphasizing the importance of employee safety and for instilling strong values in their workforce,” said Lt. Gov. Hampton.
Lt. Gov. Hampton addresses students at Union County High School.
Lt. Gov. Hampton prepares to ride the elevator down to her first coal mine experience.
Lt. Gov. Hampton congratulates employees at Sebree Station on a remarkable record of safety.