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We’re excited to share the newest episode of The Coal Seam with you, featuring an in-depth conversation with West Virginia Coal Association leadership, President Chris Hamilton, and Vice President Jason Bostic.
In this episode, they discuss key issues affecting the coal industry today, including the significance of coal to West Virginia’s economy and energy security. They also spotlight the WVU Coal Rush game and the special uniforms celebrating West Virginia’s proud coal heritage.
Don’t miss this must-see video, now available on WV Public TV.
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West Virginia’s coal industry and coal miners were celebrated and honored Saturday night in front of a national television audience during the WVU v Iowa State football game, which was broadcast on the Fox network.
The West Virginia University football team wore the new all-black “Coal Rush” uniform which was designed to pay tribute to the work ethic and bravery of the West Virginia coal miner and celebrate our state’s coal industry.
Our players entered the field joined by miners from Arch Resources’ Leer Mining Complex in Grafton where the Coal Rush concept was derived. The miners also accompanied the team as they made the "Mountaineer Mantrip" player-walk into the stadium.
The miners, representatives of the WVU Mining Engineering Student Mine Rescue Team and other industry officials were honored during the game. During half time, as part of a show comprised of hundreds of lighted drones flying above the stadium, the drones spelled out “Coal Never Quits”.
In the days leading up to the game, Pat McAfee, former WVU kicker, ESPN commentator, and current host of the Pat McAfee Show, highlighted the importance of the coal miner to West Virginia and the country. During the game broadcast, national commentators continually lauded the history, heritage, and impact of the mining industry.
This was a very special evening, and, as an industry, we are appreciative of WVU’s acknowledgement of coal’s role in shaping our state and people.
- WVU Mantrip: Coal Rush Edition - Sports Illustrated
- WVU's "Coal Rush" Look Tabbed Best Uniform of the Week in College Football. -Sports Illustrated
- WVU Man Trip - Coal Rush Edition - YouTube
- Coal Rush (Drones) - WVU salutes West Virginia Coal Miners (Half-time) October 12, 2024
- PHOTOS: Best snapshots from WVU football Coal Rush game
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When the West Virginia University football team takes the field on Saturday night against nationally-ranked Iowa State they’ll don the new “Coal Rush” uniform. Our players will be accompanied onto the field by miners from Arch Resources’ Leer Mine Complex in Grafton where the Coal Rush concept was derived.
The Coal Rush uniform was designed to pay tribute to the work ethic and bravery of the West Virginia coal miner and celebrate our state’s coal industry.
In announcing the design back in May, WVU Vice President and Director of Athletics Wren Baker said, “If our football team was going to have a black alternate uniform, we wanted it to tell a story and mean something to our fans. Coal mining has a deep history in West Virginia, and the work ethic of coal miners is woven into the fabric of our culture. Our football team looks forward to honoring the rich tradition and history of West Virginia’s coal mining industry…”
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There is a sudden, unexpected and massive rise in electricity demand occurring across the country due to a variety of factors converging before us.
Large power-gobbling data centers necessary to support our nation’s ever-increasing digital activities and the evolution of artificial intelligence technologies are a primary factor.
Our growing economy, the rise in remote work, personal technology reliance, and electric vehicle usage are also contributing to this demand.
This is great news for states like West Virginia, which generate more electricity than it consumes and has the capability and capacity to accommodate the expected growth in demand.
Not only is West Virginia blessed with indigenous coal supplies, but we also check the box for available land mass and plentiful water supplies necessary for power development.
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WVCA’s Senior Vice President Chris Hamilton presented testimony at the MSHA’s public hearing on Proposed Rule on Proximity Detection Systems for Continuous Mining Machines in Underground Coal Mines last week. The hearing was conducted by Greg Wagner, MSHA’s Deputy Assistant Secretary
Hamilton discussed issues and concerns with the proposed timeline for refitting continuous miners with proximity detectors and advised of the work done by the WV Mine Safety Technology Task Force and encouraged MSHA to coordinate the development of this rule with the State. He also used the hearing as an opportunity to express concern over the agencies position and reluctance to approve extended-cut remote controlled mining plans in order to minimize unnecessary repeated exposure to moving equipment underground.
Full WVCA testimony as well as testimony presented by Brian Thompson of Joy Global is available from WVCA by contacting Chris Hamilton at
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