Recent News
West Virginia Coal Association and Friends of Coal Thank WVU and Marshall for Honoring Coal Miners
WVU’s “Coal Rush” Uniform Honors West Virginia Miners
West Virginia Coal Association Applauds Senator Capito for the Introduction of the Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act of 2026

FOC Auto Fair

The 2012 Friends of Coal Auto Fair is set for July 20 – 22 at the Beckley YMCA Paul Cline Memorial Sports Center.  Saturday Night’s Concert line-up is Ronnie Dunn with special guest James Wesley and is being sponsored by Alpha Natural Resources.  For concert tickets, pre-registration for the car show and vendors, please go to:  http://www.friendsofcoalautofair.com/

Obama Best Described

The following was forwarded by a member with a recommendation that it was quite educational regarding the current President and thought everyone should view:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z6QOscKvUjU

Status Update on FOC Ladies Auxiliary

The Friends of Coal Ladies’ Auxiliary was formed in July 2007, to promote coal and its role in our state and national energy policies. The group is comprised of volunteers without any direct economic ties to coal companies who desire to enhance the image of coal by educating the public and raising awareness of the benefits of coal.

Since inception, they have met monthly and actively strived to increase membership to work in this united cause. They have been successful in establishing additional chapters, as well as, a junior chapter in order to cover a larger geographical area and age group.

Read more …

Review of Mine Specialty Certifications Commences

Among other changes to WV’s mine safety laws, HB 4351 directs the Board of Miner Training Education and Certification to conduct a review of all applicable training requirements for miner specialty certifications and make recommendations to the Legislature by December 31, 2012.

The Board has partnered with the WVU Mining Extension Service to assist in its review and have jointly developed a proposal to guide this review going forward. A copy of this proposal has been forwarded to our members for review.

A major goal of this effort is to identify ways to improve the quality of state sponsored programs as well as a means or process to maintain the programs in a current state. Mine foreman, assistant mine foreman and apprentice miner programs will be given top priority.

It is envisioned that the Board and WVU will host several focus meetings to receive input and comment from the general mining community. You will be notified when these focus meetings are scheduled and encouraged to participate. If you need more information or have any questions please give WVCA Senior Vice President Chris Hamilton a call at 304.342.4153.

July Edition of Coal Seam Now Airing

The July episode of the Coal Seam television show is now airing on your local public access channels. WV Coal Association President Bill Raney was this month’s guest and discussed the current status of the coal industry in our state.

SCHEDULE:  The Coal Seam is broadcast across the state on your local cable systems. Check for times and days at http://www.librarycommission.wv.gov/programs/ltn/Documents/Library%20Television%20Network%20Schedule%202012.pdf.

STREAMING VIDEO:  The Coal Seam is available in streaming video at http://www.librarycommission.wv.gov/programs/ltn/videoserver/Pages/coalseam.aspx.

Host Chris Hamilton tapes the show at the State Library Commission television studios once a month, exploring topics of importance to our coal miners, their families and their communities.
Image

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.
Learn More About FOC