State Mining Companies, Operations Recognized for Excellence in Safety and Reclamation

CHARLESTON, W.Va. ─ During West Virginia Mining Symposium, which took place April 18-19 in Charleston, the West Virginia Coal Association recognized and celebrated “Exemplary Mine Safety & Environmental Excellence” achievements of mining industry operations across the state.

“West Virginia’s coal industry continues to show its resilience and commitment to excellence across the board,” West Virginia Coal Association President Chris Hamilton said. “It’s always a proud day for us when we can recognize those who excel in safety and reclamation, showing that the best and brightest in the industry are right here in West Virginia.

West Virginia Coal Hall of Fame​​​​​​​ Inducts 25th Class of Honorees

Charleston, W.Va. - - The West Virginia Coal Hall of Fame, a joint initiative between the West Virginia Coal Mining Institute and the West Virginia Coal Association and housed at the WVU Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources in Morgantown, inducted its newest class of honorees at a ceremony April 18th at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Charleston.

This year’s honorees include H. Douglas Dahl, Retired CEO/President, Peabody Coal; Eddie Asbury, President, Southern Minerals, Inc.; Paul Lang, President/CEO, Arch Resources, Inc.; Stanley Suboleski, Senior VP of Massey, LC; and Thomas M. Wynne, Senior VP/COO, Alliance Resources

49th Annual Mining Symposium Highlights Strength of Industry, But Challenges Continue

Friends Of Coal encouraged to engage in support

With more than 300 industry representatives in attendance, and featuring local, state, and federal dignitaries, the West Virginia Coal Association held the 49th Annual West Virginia Mining Symposium April 18-19 at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Charleston, West Virginia. 

Chris Hamilton, President and Chief Executive Officer of the West Virginia Coal Association, said, “While the industry is strong today, the Biden Administration and national liberal forces continue their efforts daily to remove coal from America’s energy portfolio. We need all Friends of Coal to engage with us to let them know West Virginia’s mining industry is indispensable for providing reliable electricity, national security, and the steel that builds this country.” 

Legislature, Governor Enact Policies to Enhance Grid Stability and WV Coal Use

Charleston, W.Va. – With the passage of several bills this Legislative Session, state policy makers took unprecedented steps to stabilize the region’s electric grid and encourage the development of energy using West Virginia coal.

“All West Virginians should thank their legislator and the Governor for prioritizing the reliability of our electric grid and the maximization of our in-state coal resources,” said Chris Hamilton, president of the West Virginia Coal Association. “The package of legislation they passed and the Governor signed will help protect us against us against calamitous weather events, like winter storm this past December that almost brought down the grid, and ensure jobs for our miners and continued economic activity for our communities.”

PJM Study Shows Electric Generation Retirements Portend Energy Crisis by 2030

Charleston, W.Va.new study released last week by PJM Interconnection, the grid operator covering West Virginia and multiple other states in our region, forecasts that the amount of planned electric generation retirements by 2030 exceed the amount of potential new generation able to be brought online. 

According to the study, entitled Energy Transition in PJM: Resource Retirements, Replacements & Risks, “the projections…indicate that it is possible that the current pace of new entry [new generation] would be insufficient to keep up with expected retirements and demand growth by 2030”.