March 16, 2019 - There is a big week ahead for the Institute with the 2019 Joint Spring Meeting of the West Virginia Coal Mining Institute and West Virginia Coal Association being held at the Embassy Suites, Charleston, WV on March 20-21.

The meeting begins on the Wednesday evening with Registration 2:00 – 6:30 pm then the Reception at 6:30 pm. This is followed by the West Virginia Coal Hall of Fame Banquet and Induction at 7:15 pm with Bill Raney, President, West Virginia Coal Association, giving the welcome address.

“We have arranged what we think is a very interesting and diverse program to appeal to a wide audience,” said Jim Dean, Institute Secretary and Director, Mining and Industrial Extension, WVU. “Although the challenges in the coal industry are considerable, there is also some exciting news and we are particularly pleased to be presenting details of the new Leer South Mine as well as Road Fork 52 Mine. We are anticipating an excellent attendance at the meeting and at the Hall of Fame Banquet.”

Jim Dean

On Thursday morning Breakfast is at 7:00 – 8:00 am followed by Technical Session I. Lunch is at noon with Technical Session II following. Both Technical Sessions comprise eight presentations including presentations by coal operators and manufacturers.  A complete listing of presentations can be found here.  

There are two Technical Sessions each filled with interesting information. Both Arch Coal and Contura Energy are making presentations on new mines, which should be of great interest to everyone in the industry.  Manufacturers of mining machinery are well represented with presentation from Komatsu, J.H. Fletcher, and Innovative Wireless Technologies. 

There are a large number of papers being given on providing greater safety with four presentations by NIOSH, and a number of other presentations including by the West Virginia Office of Miners’ Health, Safety and Training.  The West Virginia Coal Association is well-represented with three presentations on a variety of subjects. The Institute’s history project is being described by Bill Reid and copies of the “West Virginia Coal Mining Institute – A Short History” will be available for sale.

This promises to be an outstanding meeting. Registration costs $300 for Members, $165 for Member Spouses, $400 for Non-Members, and $250 for Thursday Technical Session only including Lunch. For further information contact Jim Dean, Secretary, 304-276-0591 or email james.dean@mail.wvu.edu.