The West Virginia Coal Association today congratulated Frontieras North America on the groundbreaking of its new $850 million commercialized FASForm facility in Mason County, marking a major milestone for advanced coal-based technologies and the state’s industrial future. 

WVCA President and CEO Chris Hamilton joined business, community, and government leaders at Thursday’s ceremony, celebrating the company’s arrival and its transformative investment.

“What a pleasure it is to participate in this groundbreaking ceremony,” said Hamilton. “We’re thrilled to welcome Frontieras to West Virginia and to see this incredible technology move from the research lab to commercial operation. This project is proof that coal’s future in our state is brighter than ever.”

The Mason County facility will utilize coal as its primary feedstock to produce a range of advanced carbon and alternative fuel products — a process Hamilton compared to a “coal-based version of a traditional gas cracker plant.” When fully operational, the facility is expected to consume approximately 2.7 million tons of high-grade northern Appalachian coal annually, supporting an estimated 458 direct mining jobs and hundreds more throughout the economy.

“This single project represents more than $90 million in annual wages tied to coal supply and $5 million in severance taxes — a real win for West Virginia miners and our state economy,” Hamilton added. “Thanks to the leadership of President Trump, our congressional delegation, and the Energy Dominance Council, the timing couldn’t be better for this kind of innovation and investment.”

Hamilton emphasized that Frontieras’ pioneering technology would help “jump start an entire universe of advanced coal and carbon products,” further strengthening West Virginia’s position as a global leader in energy production and exports. 

“Coal is doing so much more than it ever has, and with companies like Frontieras leading the way, we’re entering a new era — a true coal renaissance,” Hamilton said.