- Details
ROANOKE, Va. (AP) — Southern Coal Corp. is recalling several hundred laid-off miners in Kentucky, Virginia and West Virginia and plans to hire 650 new workers.
Roanoke-based Southern Coal announced Tuesday that it has entered into a multiyear contract to supply coal to American Electric Power. The contract will allow it to restart mines idled earlier this year and to save 500 jobs.
Southern Coal is owned by the Justice family, which includes Jim Justice, who also owns The Greenbrier resort. He and his son Jay Justice said in a statement that they hope the announcement makes the holidays "a little better" for those affected.
Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear, Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell and West Virginia Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin say the AEP contract is good news for the workers and their states' economies.
Copyright 2012 The Associated Press
- Details
By Erica Martinson
Rep. Shelley Moore Capito’s entrance into the 2014 West Virginia Senate race could keep coal in the conversation despite a disastrous 2012 run for the coal industry.
In a speech Monday announcing her bid to take the seat that Democratic Sen. Jay Rockefeller has held since 1984, Capito pledged to “continue to stand up against the EPA’s dangerous and unconstitutional crusade to dictate our nation’s energy policy to the detriment of West Virginians.”
“We are a state rich in natural resources with our coal reserves, natural gas and even oil,” she said. “They have played a major role in the course of our state and driven our economy.”
- Details
- Details
“Four years ago, President Obama promised that the electric utility rates would go up for people who get their power from coal-fired power plants,” Palmer said. “He also promised that if a company tried to build a coal-fired power plant, he would bankrupt them,” Palmer said. “It’s pretty serious when people mess with your job security and your job.”
Palmer said that he can’t stand idly by and watch someone come in with a jackhammer, knock out the foundation and watch my home crumble,” he said. “Coal has powered this nation for years. Please don’t throw us away now.”
- Details
The FOC Ladies Auxiliary has begun their 5th annual “Giving Hearts” fund drive for WV families who are in need. Donations can be made to FOC Ladies Auxiliary, PO Box 1109, Beckley, WV 25802-1109; (304) 255.1457 Ext. 20 and can be “county specific”.
Gifts will be prepared by the FOCLA and Saturday, December 8th, will be gift pick-up day at the offices in Mabscott.
The FOC Ladies Auxililary is a 501-C-3 Non-Profit Organization – FEIN #27-3379290
Join Friends of Coal
Be part of West Virginia's coal industry future. Together, we can continue building a stronger, more prosperous Mountain State by supporting our miners and communities.
West Virginia Coal Association
The West Virginia Coal Association has been the voice of the coal industry for over 100 years, advocating for safe, responsible mining practices and supporting the communities that depend on coal.
Join the FOC
Become a Friend of Coal and download our app to stay connected and support the industry.
Recent Press
