The West Virginia Coal Economy Study

West Virginia University/Marshall University

“The West Virginia Coal Economy 2008”
 
Since the discovery of coal in Boone County in 1742 by John Peter Shirley, West Virginia has substantially benefited from the coal mining industry. Coal mining has been a significant part of West Virginia’s economy in terms of Gross Domestic Product4, employment, wages, and tax revenues. The scope of this report is to quantify the economic impact of the coal mining industry on the West Virginia economy with special emphasis on 2008.
 
 

VIDEO: Economist on Mining in Mountain State

Dr. Tom Witt discussed the impacts of coal in the mountain state, particularly on the economy.

http://www.wsaz.com/news/headlines/83604537.html 

Mingo-Logan’s Mountaineer #2 and Simmons Fork Mining’s Ewing Fork #1 take top honors at 2010 Mountaineer Guardian Safety Awards

Awards presented during annual Coal Symposium in Charleston

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Thirty-three West Virginia mining operations were recognized for stellar safety efforts in 2009 during the West Virginia Coal Association’s 37th Annual Mining Symposium on Thursday.  

“All of our companies strive to meet the highest standards of safety.” West Virginia Coal Association President Bill Raney said.  “I wish we could recognize every single operation. These award winners are fantastic examples of the commitment to safety every one of our member companies shows on a daily basis.

ICG’s Beckley-Pocahontas take top honors at West Virginia Environmental Awards

Awards presented during annual Coal Symposium in Charleston

12 companies were recognized on Friday for excellence in mine reclamation for 2009. The awards were made at the concluding luncheon of the 37th Annual West Virginia Mining Symposium Charleston Civic Center.

The awards are co-sponsored by the West Virginia Coal Association and the West Virginia Division of Environmental Protection. To be eligible, a mining operation must be nominated by their local state inspector. 

The awards include special presentations for conservation. Ducks Unlimited presented the West Virginia Wetlands Award to 

The Greenlands Award, the state’s top environmental award, went to the International Coal Group’s Beckley-Pocahontas facility in Raleigh County. In making the award, West Virginia Coal Association President Bill Raney said, “The construction of the facility involved the remediation and reclamation of a pre-law coal refuse site. ICG has proven its commitment to the environment and clearly shows the steps our industry will take to get the coal out of the ground while protecting our natural beauty.” 

Governor Says He “Delivered the Message” of Coal to Obama

In his keynote address to the 37th Annual West Virginia Mining Symposium, Gov. Joe Manchin said he “delivered the message” about West Virginia coal to President Obama in a White House meeting Wednesday.

Manchin said he told the President that West Virginia coal must be part of the nation’s energy mix for at least the next 30 to 50 years while the nation and the world “transitions to the fuels of the future.”

To push aside coal today would destroy the nation’s economy and its ability to compete against countries like China and India, where the use of coal will continue unabated.

Manchin was one of 10 “coal state” governors who met with Obama to outline their concerns about the direction of the administration’s energy policies as well as recent actions by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency with regard to the mining of coal in the state.