Recent News
- Details
Norfolk Southern Corp. announced yesterday that a major upgrade to its Lamberts Point export coal transload facility in Norfolk, Va., recently reached the completion stage.
The work positions the facility, known as Pier 6, to remain the largest and fastest coal transload facility in the northern hemisphere, NS officials said in a prepared statement. The facility transfers coal hauled by train from Appalachian coal fields to ships bound for markets worldwide.
The $18 million upgrade, which was completed on schedule over a 90-day period beginning in August, involved major overhauls of the facility's dumper system and two loaders. The dumper system transfers coal from rail cars to a conveyor system. NS plans to upgrade a south set of dumpers in spring 2013.
"This investment reflects our belief in the long-term prospects for the global coal market and Norfolk Southern's continuing pivotal role in that market," said Danny Smith, NS' senior vice president of energy and property.
The most recent upgrades coincide with the 50th anniversary of Pier 6, which began operations on one loader in December 1962. NS plans to hold an anniversary celebration in April 2013 for the second loader, which came online in spring 1963.
Pier 6 features an annual throughput capacity of 36 million tons of coal and can handle up to 8,000 tons of coal per hour. In January, Pier 6 loaded a record 159,941 net tons of coal onto a ship bound for China.
- 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.”
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
