WASHINGTON, PA, October 28, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Michael B. Keener has been recognized for achievement in the mining industry.

Mr. Keener's career in the mining industry is distinguished by a steady progression through increasingly responsible roles, culminating in his current position as Mine Engineer at Core Natural Resources, Inc. Since January 2025, he has managed a team of four surveyors and draftsmen, overseeing mine mapping and developing plans for future mining operations in coordination with land and engineering departments. His responsibilities also include working closely with project engineers to coordinate both underground and surface interaction projects, monitoring mine ventilation and degasification, and managing an annual budget exceeding $500,000 in addition to special projects. Among his most notable professional achievements is the successful completion of a major project in March 2026 that involved sealing off a portion of the current mine, resulting in cost savings and bringing the working mine to a more manageable size. This accomplishment stands out as a significant milestone in his career.

Before joining Core Natural Resources, Inc., Mr. Keener served as a mine engineer at Harvey Mine under CONSOL Energy from 2023 to 2025. In this capacity, he continued to refine his expertise in underground coal mining while contributing to operational planning and production oversight. From 2022 to 2023, he served as an assistant mine engineer at Bailey Mine in Wind Ridge, Pennsylvania, where he supported engineering functions critical to safe and efficient mining operations.

Between 2019 and 2022, Mr. Keener worked as a surveyor and draftsman at Harvey Mine with CONSOL Energy. He was responsible for collecting data on mined areas and compiling official maps submitted to government agencies. His commitment to accuracy and regulatory compliance was evident throughout this period. From 2017 to 2019, he expanded his skill set as a staff consultant for Geotechnical, Civil & Environmental Consultants, Inc. in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

In 2016, Mr. Keener served as a land records analyst for the Land-GIS division at CONSOL Energy in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania. The previous year, he took on the position of lead industrial engineer for Applied Improvements - Coal at the same company, following a year as an industrial engineer from 2014 to 2015. These roles allowed him to develop a comprehensive understanding of process improvement within coal operations.

His early professional experience includes serving as a graduate student researcher at the University of Pittsburgh from 2012 to 2014 and an undergraduate student researcher from 2011 to 2012. He began his association with CONSOL Energy as a student analyst and summer intern at their Pennsylvania Operations from 2010 to 2012.

Throughout his career, Mr. Keener has demonstrated expertise in underground coal mining — a specialization that has earned him recognition among peers and industry leaders alike. He has also taken pride in mentoring interns during their summer breaks from college, providing guidance that reflects his commitment to fostering new talent within the field.

A dedicated member of several professional organizations, Mr. Keener has been involved with the Society for Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration since 2014 and currently serves on its Coal and Energy Division Committee and Young Leaders Committee since 2023. He has been part of the board of directors for the Pittsburgh Section since 2016. Additionally, he has maintained membership with the American Society of Civil Engineers and its Geo-Institute since 2014, reflecting his multidisciplinary approach to engineering challenges. His earlier involvement includes leadership roles in student chapters at the University of Pittsburgh, such as serving as president of the Society for Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration Student Chapter from 2010 to 2012.

Mr. Keener's educational background is foundational to his professional success. He earned a Master of Science in Engineering with a concentration in mining engineering and a minor in explosives engineering from Missouri University of Science and Technology in Rolla, Missouri, in 2017. Prior academic achievements include a Master of Science in Engineering from the University of Pittsburgh in Oakland, Pennsylvania, in 2014, and a Bachelor of Science in Engineering with a concentration in civil engineering and a certificate in mining engineering from the University of Pittsburgh in Oakland, Pennsylvania cum laude, in 2012.

He holds multiple professional certifications that underscore his technical proficiency: Professional Engineer credentials from Ohio (2023), Kentucky (2018), Pennsylvania (2018) and West Virginia (2018), Pennsylvania Bituminous Coal Mine Shot Firer (2022) and Bituminous Coal Mine Foreman (2022) certifications, ACI Concrete Field Testing Technician – Grade I (2018 to 2023), AAOS First Aid/CPR/AED Training (2018 to 2020), APNGA Portable Nuclear Gauge Safety (2017 to 2020), Hazmat Certification Class through the U.S. Department of Transportation (2017 to 2020), and Engineer in Training certification from Pennsylvania Department of State (2012). These credentials have enabled him to meet regulatory requirements across multiple states while ensuring operational safety.

The unwavering support and encouragement provided by Mr. Keener's wife, Elisabeth, have played an instrumental role throughout his journey. Her influence has been vital as he pursued advanced education, professional development opportunities and ambitious projects, providing the driving force behind his career growth and success.

Beyond his professional commitments, Mr. Keener is actively engaged in civic organizations, including participation in his local church and involvement in youth ministry activities, where his wife is Youth Leader. His dedication extends to community service, where he seeks opportunities to make a positive impact.

Recognition for Mr. Keener's contributions includes several prestigious awards: J.W. Woomer Award in 2024; John T. Boyd Memorial Young Engineer Award in 2023; John N. Murphy Early Career Professional Award in 2019; ASCE Oral Presentation Award in 2014; Graduate Research Assistantship at the University of Pittsburgh from 2012 to 2014; WAIMME Scholarship in 2011; and George Weisdack Memorial Scholarship also awarded in 2011.

His scholarly work features co-authorship on several influential publications addressing topics such as subsidence effects from underground bituminous coal mining and factors influencing water discharges from mine pools. Notable titles include "The Effects of Subsidence Resulting from Underground Bituminous Coal Mining, 2008-2013: Bituminous Mine Subsidence and Land Conservation Act, Act 54 Amendments Fourth Five-Year Report," published in 2014, among others focused on geology's influence on mining layouts and barrier performance.

Born in Pittsburgh, Mr. Keener balances his professional life with diverse personal interests, including sports such as soccer, hockey, football, and golf; learning guitar and banjo; photography; American history; railroads; and model railroading. He is married and has three sons, whose activities range from hockey for his eldest to soccer for his middle child, while he enjoys time with their youngest son, who is one year old.

With basic comprehension skills in Spanish and Italian adding further dimensions to his profile, Mr. Keener views his current role as a mine engineer as the realization of a long-held career ambition, while recognizing that greater challenges remain ahead in the industry he has come to master.

# # #