exploration and production operation. They are a leading producer in the Marcellus Shale and they conduct an active exploration program in the Utica Shale.

Since their founding in 1860 and their first active mining operations in 1864, CONSOL has powered the nation with affordable, abundant, reliable domestic energy. Today, CONSOL's employees help generate the fuels - natural gas and coal - that comprise two thirds of the nation's power supply. Their energy supports the American way of life by helping deliver electricity 24/7, creating family-sustaining jobs and keeping their nation competitive in the global marketplace.

Their strong record of environmental stewardship and their commitment to community have helped enable us to become the dynamic and accomplished energy company they are today. CONSOL Energy maintains the largest private research and development facility in the U.S. industry that is devoted exclusively to coal and energy utilization and production. In addition to supporting the production of CONSOL Energy's gas and coal operations, it also focuses on energy development, improving energy efficiency and reducing pollution. This facility was borne out of their core values - Safety, Compliance and Continuous Improvement - and enables us to identify opportunities and implement solutions that drive safety, production, and utilization of their strategic resources in smarter, more efficient ways.

CONSOL Energy's coal mines are highly technical operating environments that require specialized training. The days of pick axes and shovels have been replaced with technologically advanced processes such as longwall mining, enhanced safety protocols, digital technologies and sophisticated communications technologies such as those employed at their centralized Communications Center at corporate headquarters. These advances have helped make the mining process safer and more productive, more than doubling resource recovery.

CONSOL Energy's natural gas operations include coal bed methane extraction, conventional and shale gas exploration and production, all of which require expertise and technology that continues to evolve and advance. From safety to environmental protocols, techniques and equipment, advances in these areas are continuous, improving recovery, enhancing safety, and providing more environmentally protective methods.