Released Wednesday, February 26, 2003

Media Availability
Head of Federal Mine Safety Agency to Receive Award for Leadership Role
in Quecreek Mine Rescue

CINCINNATI, Ohio - Dave D. Lauriski, the assistant secretary of labor for mine safety and health, will be available to media on the afternoon of Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2003, at the Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration's Annual Meeting and Exhibition.

Lauriski will be the recipient of the 2002 SME President's Citation award Wednesday evening. The award, established in 1978 to recognize a significant individual contribution, will be presented to Lauriski for achievements in mine health and safety, and for his leadership and guidance in the rescue of nine coal miners trapped underground for three days last July at the Quecreek Mine in western Pennsylvania.

Event:	2003 Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration's Annual Meeting Presentation of President's Citation to Assistant Secretary of Labor Dave D. Lauriski
Date:	Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2003
Time:	Open, 2:00-6:00 p.m.; please call to arrange time and exact location
Location:	Hilton Netherland Plaza

For further information, please contact Amy Louviere, Mine Safety and Health Administration, Office of Information and Public Affairs, at (202) 693-9423 or Louviere.Amy@dol.gov.