April 4, 2024 -

West Virginia Coal Association's 50th Mining Symposium and Coal Show Huge Success

West Virginia’s coal mining industry was on full display March 26-27 as more than 2,000 people converged on Charleston's Coliseum & Conference Center during Coal Days in West Virginia.  

During the two-day celebration, the West Virginia Coal Association (WVCA) hosted its 50th Annual Mining Symposium featuring state and national coal industry leaders and renown experts leading presentations on myriad current topics and regulatory programs.

WVCA President Chris Hamilton gaveled in the Symposium and introduced the program. Mike Day, WVCA Chairman and CEO of Eagle Specialty Materials, provided opening remarks and Jimmy Brock, CEO, Consol Energy, Charlie Bearse, COO, Blackhawk Mining, Michelle Bloodworth, CEO, America’s Power and Ernie Thrasher, XCoal Resources rounded out the Keynote Session which focused on current challenges and opportunities facing the industry and prominent domestic and international business and marketing forecasts. 

Attorney General Patrick Morrisey

Michael Nasi of Jackson Walker Law provided an overview of EPA’s regulatory agenda and Emily Arthun with the American Coal Council offered an update of the Council’s activities. Other highlights included West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey, West Virginia Public Service Commission Chairwoman Charlotte Lane and Retired West Virginia Adjutant General James Hoyer addressing the meeting.

The Annual Mountaineer Guardian Awards Luncheon was emceed by Jim Dean (WVU Mining Extension) and Frank Foster (WVOMHST).  The inaugural Governor’s Milestone of Safety Awards were presented by Governor Jim Justice to the state’s top underground and surface mines. Arch Resources took top honors for its Leer and Leer South underground mines and United Coal (Wyco Surface Mine) and COAL-MAC (Painted Rock Surface) shared the top award for Surface mines. There were 57 mining operations, quarries, preparation plants and independent contractors recognized with Mountaineer Guardian Awards for exemplary mine safety achievement during 2023.  

Governor Justice wowed the luncheon crowd of 400 safety professionals and miners by vetoing a bill passed by the West Virginia Legislature allowing for a greater build out of solar power. 

WVCA Vice President Jason Bostic and WVDEP Secretary Harold Ward presided over the Environmental Excellence Awards Luncheon on the second day of the Symposium.  All told, 15 companies were recognized for their outstanding environmental achievement.  The Greenlands award was presented to Arch Resources Leer South Complex and Allegheny Metallurgical Century Mine Complex for their outstanding mine reclamation activities. The “Community Involvement Award” went to Arch Resources Leer South Complex and Blackhawk Mining’s Kanawha Eagle Mining LLC was awarded the “Special Community Recovery Award”.

Four prominent industry leaders were inducted into the West Virginia Coal Hall of Fame which was held as part of 2024 Coal Days event. Nick Carter (Natural Resource Partners), Walt Scheller (Warrior Met), Doug Conaway (Arch Resources), and Todd Moore (Consol Energy) were honored for their contributions to the coal industry. The Coal Hall of Fame is jointly sponsored by the West Virginia Coal Association and the West Virginia Coal Mining Institute. 

Four state legislators were also recognized for their legislative service on behalf of coal.  Senators Randy Smith, Rupie Phillips, Mike Stuart (who is also running for Attorney General) and Delegate Daniel Linville were given a plague for their contributions and valuable assistance on coal legislative programs. 

The Grand North and South Halls of the Charleston Coliseum were filled with mining equipment, displays and exhibits during the two-day event which were visited by hundreds of prospective buyers, miners, and the public and was sponsored by Seimco Publishing.  

The 51st West Virginia Mining Symposium and the Second Annual West Virginia Coal Show is scheduled for April 15-16, 2025.

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