March 18, 2019 - The West Virginia Coal Hall of Fame Class of 2019 has been announced. The Class comprises two highly respected individuals. Jim Corsaro, former President, Carbon Industries and a third-generation coal miner, has had an eminent career and has spent 53 years serving the coal industry.  Dan Smith, Director, Blackhawk Mining, LLC., has also had a distinguished career extending more than 30 years with Norfolk Southern.

Frank Calandra

Joe Craft

James Corsaro

Daniel Smith

From the Class of 2018, unable to attend last year, are Joe Craft III, President & CEO, Alliance Resources, and Frank Calandra Jr, President & CEO, Jennmar Corporation, who will also be inducted into the Hall of Fame on Wednesday evening.

This is certainly a big week ahead for the coal mining industry in West Virginia and surrounding states with the 2019 Joint Spring Meeting of the West Virginia Coal Mining Institute and West Virginia Coal Association including the Coal Hall of Fame Banquet being held at the Embassy Suites, Charleston, WV on March 20-21.

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

“We are very pleased to have the opportunity to honor such distinguished people from our industry at the Hall of Fame Banquet on Wednesday,” said Joe Pugh, President, West Virginia Coal Mining Institute. “Our meeting is a fantastic opportunity for coal mining professionals to keep up to date with developments in the industry and to earn continuing education credits as well as to network with peers. We are anticipating an excellent attendance at the meeting and at the Hall of Fame Banquet.”

Joe Pugh

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 carefully chosen presentations including presentations by coal operators and manufacturers.  A complete listing of presentations can be found here.  

The Technical Sessions are 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 presentations 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 one 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.