CHARLESTON - State and national leaders, have been joining with energy experts and regulatory officials in addressing representatives of the state's coal industry during the 39^th annual West Virginia Coal Association Mining Symposium. The 2012 Symposium concludes Friday at the Charleston Civic Center.

Friday's session features Senator Manchin discussing his outlook for the on going challenges with EPA's permitting process.  West Virginia Coal companies will be recognized for their Environmental Restoration Awards today.

The West Virginia Mining Symposium continued in Charleston Thursday and Governor Tomblin was there holding up one of the promises he made in his State of the State Address.

His administration is introducing a mine safety bill.  Some key components are mandatory drug testing of all miners, including pre-employment testing, requiring employers to report when workers are let go because of violations, even if they just refuse, and giving employees 30 days to notify the state if they've been convicted of a drug related crime.

By Taylor Kuykendall, Reporter - email

Though the coal industry may face a tougher crowd at the federal level, West Virginia officials are embracing the industry.

Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin and Senate President Jeff Kessler both talked up their dedication to coal at the West Virginia Coal Association's symposium Thursday.

"Coal has been the backbone of our economy for 100 years and will continue to for many years to come, to be an important of our economy in West Virginia," Tomblin said, thanking the industry representatives for their roles in the state's success.

Fola Coal Mine No. 1 wins the Barton B. Lay Milestones of Safety Award

Consol’s Robinson Run No. 95 wins the Eustace Frederick Award.

CHARLESTON -- Mine safety is a central focus of West Virginia’s coal industry. At Thursday’s session of the 39th Annual West Virginia Mining Symposium in Charleston, 32 mining and service companies were recognized for their commitment to workplace safety in 2011.

Topping the list of award winners were Fola Coal Company’s Surface Mine No. 1 in Clay County, that took home the Barton B. Lay Milestones of Safety Award and Consol’s Robinson Run No. 95 in Marion County that took home the Eustace Frederick Award.

The Associated Press

Herald-Dispatch.com

CHARLESTON — The coal industry is in an era of change that industry leaders and regulators are discussing at the West Virginia Coal Association's annual mining symposium in Charleston.

The head of the Mine Safety and Health Administration will tell operators what to expect in 2012 on Thursday, while Virginia's Alpha Natural Resources will talk about its own initiatives.

Alpha bought Massey Energy last summer and has agreed to a federal settlement that could lead to new safety and technology programs.

The deal stemmed from the 2010 explosion of the Upper Big Branch mine.