W. Va. Code § 37B-3-2: Legislative findings; declaration of public policy.

The Legislature finds that it is the public policy of this state and in the public interest to:

(1) Promote the safe and efficient mining, extraction, and production of coal in this state;

(2) Protect the health and safety of coal miners;

(3) Prohibit the waste of coal;

(4) Encourage the maximum recovery of coal;

(5) Safeguard, protect, and enforce the correlative rights of coal producers and coal owners;

(6) Protect the rights of surface owners; and

(7) Promote the execution and performance of contracts lawfully made.