CHARLESTON, W.Va. --Coal mine operator Massey Energy is planning to put more than $1 million into college and postgraduate scholarships over the next five years.

Richmond, Va.-based Massey says the money will go to Central Appalachian students pursuing degrees in engineering and health care.

Chief Executive Don Blankenship calls Friday's announcement the best investment his company can make in the region because it will help bright students who need financial help achieve a higher education. Blankenship says it also fits the region's needs for medical professionals and mining engineers.

Separately, Massey says it is giving the Logan County Commission $100,000 for projects such as a new sports fields and a swimming pool and pledging another $200,000 over the next two years.