For Immediate Release: August 14, 1997
Contact: Melissa Forsythe (502) 564-2611
or Mark Pfeiffer

Middlesboro, Ky. - Governor Paul E. Patton today dedicated a new coal processing plant near Middlesboro, Ky. providing 125 new jobs that are the result of his workers' compensation reform bill.

"This new operation represents exactly what we were trying to accomplish with the reform," the governor said. "It provides for the truly injured worker and allows businesses to expand, creating good jobs for our people here in the coalfields of Eastern Kentucky."

Governor Patton cut the ribbon on Cyprus-Cumberland Coal Company's $10 million facility that will wash and process the coal mined by the B. R. & D. deep mine contractor.

100 of the new jobs will go to coal miners, according to B. R. & D President Stanley Ditty. "Without the lowered workers' compensation rates as a result of the reform legislation, we would not have been able to bid this contract and create the jobs for the miners."

In addition, Cyprus Coal Senior Vice-President Kevin Crutchfield said, "Lower workers' compensation rates indirectly resulted in Cyprus Coal being able to build this coal washing plant that will also provide new jobs."

The new plant was dedicated to M.B. Brittain, a long-time Cyprus employee. His widow, Barbara Brittain was presented with a plaque naming the processing plant in his honor.

Following the dedication ceremonies, Governor Patton toured the facility which is already in operation and is expected to be in full production in two weeks.

For more information about the coal processing facility, contact Mike Rounds with Cyprus-AMAX Minerals Company at 1-303-643-5186 or 5375.