September 11, 2025 - Buyers and sellers gathered for the opening day of Bluefields coal and mining show with its new theme “Connecting Buyers and Sellers.”

The red carpet was rolled out once again for the 25th biennially Bluefield Coal and Mining Show.

Some local sellers talked about the benefits the show has had on the coal industry.

"?The show’s a great thing for the industry. We get a lot of visibility as far as to what new technologies are out there and available for the operations. End users can learn what’s available for them to use from component suppliers to OE machine suppliers," said Jason Sizemore, general manager for Gainwell Engineering North America.

"?My history with the show has always been about local, smaller businesses developing people in the industry to be able to go on. Here all these years later I see a lot of folks that were just beginning in it that are now running entire companies," said David Wallace CEO of Wallace Electrical Systems.

The show not only exhibits the progress of individual businesses but also the expansion of technologies with an emphasis on user safety.

“We want to mine more and more efficiently and safer. We want to be safe so that it gives companies like ourselves an opportunity to show what we’re doing to make it better for the operators. Because in the end, we want the operators safe, and we want them to be productive,” said Fletcher Mining Equipment Vice President of Sales, Ben Hardman.

Those that work in every aspect of the industry keep it thriving, especially the next generation.

“That’s our resource, that’s our greatest resource. Young people. So, we need to motivate them in the right direction that they have an opportunity for a career and livelihood here in this area,” said Marvin Woodie president of Woodie Conn-Weld.

The Bluefield Coal and Mining Show looks to keep motivations high locally and abroad.

“So, the coal industry, it always changes. We know that the key is you have to keep the positive mindset that we’re going to plan for what’s going to be 10 years to come and not just wait and be reactive,” said Executive Vice President of Highland Industries, Jarrod Bailey.

The show connects businesses from all across the world providing a unique market to propel the industry forward in a way that can only be done here at the Brushfork Armory.

The event will be going until Friday September 12th with a visit from the White House SBA on September 11th at 2pm.