Westmoreland Coal Company Mines Complete 2005 Without Any Lost-Time Accidents While Setting Coal Production Record for the Fifth Consecutive Year.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. -- Westmoreland Coal Company (AMEX:WLB) reported today that its Company-operated mines completed 2005 without a lost-time accident while setting a new Company coal production and sales record of nearly 30 million tons in 2005, surpassing the previous record of 29.0 million tons set in 2004.

All of Westmoreland's mines have now exceeded 365 days without a lost-time accident. The Savage Mine has worked 1,465 days to date without a lost-time accident. The Beulah Mine exceeded its previous safety record of 343 days and has now worked 480 days without a lost-time accident. The Jewett Mine has worked 463 days to date without a lost-time accident. The Rosebud Mine exceeded its past record of 367 days and has now worked 459 days without an accident resulting in lost time. In total, the Company-operated mines have worked over 2.3 million man-hours to date without a lost-time accident. Mine employees were honored at a series of breakfasts, dinners and suppers, cooked and served at the mine sites by operations executives and managers including Chris Seglem, Westmoreland Coal Company's Chairman, President and CEO.

The Company's independent power operations also continued their exceptional safety record. The ROVA project finished 2005 accident-free and has operated 473 days to date without a lost-time accident.

Mr. Seglem commented: "For every one of our operations to have worked a full calendar year and beyond without incurring a single lost-time accident is a tremendous accomplishment. It reflects great leadership by our operations managers and genuine, sustained commitment by our employees. I could not be more proud of our work force."

John V. O'Laughlin, Vice President Coal Operations, said: "Safety is the highest priority at our mines and the efforts of our employees to work safely has resulted in an unprecedented accident-free record in 2005 for the mines we operate. We strive for excellence in this area by creating an environment that encourages education and application of best industry practices while relying on our employees to report and document all incidents, regardless of size, so that action can be taken to avoid future incidents. I am extremely pleased with our achievements in 2005, and I ask all of our employees to continue to work safely and efficiently while building on 2005's record performance."

Westmoreland Coal Company is the oldest independent coal company in the United States. The Company's coal operations include Northern Powder River Basin coal mining in Montana and lignite mining operations in Montana, North Dakota, and Texas. Its power operations include ownership interests in two coal-fired and one natural gas-fired generating plant. Westmoreland is implementing a growth strategy dedicated to meeting America's dual goals of low-cost power and a clean environment through the acquisition and development of complementary, niche opportunities in coal, power and other segments of the energy sector. For more information visit www.westmoreland.com.