Indian state-controlled steelmakers are considering buying coking coal assets in Russia to boost the supply of the raw material that India designated as a critical and strategic mineral early this year.

In this Q&A, new SME Board Director Steve Schafrik shares what shaped his pathway to the Board—and why there’s no single “right” route to leadership in SME.

China has successfully developed a hydrogen-coal co-firing technology that for the first time could achieve a 50-percent green hydrogen blending ratio and 100-percent pure hydrogen combustion.

On June 4, the Trump administration announced $700 million in funding for 17 coal power plants and one export facility.

The Komatsu manufacturing business in Peoria is expanding, but staying in the area as it welcomes a new office building.

We published our Weekly Coal Production report for the week ending June 6, 2026.

Two mining fatalities that occurred less than 24 hours apart in West Virginia this spring underscore a rise in mining deaths nationwide in 2026, according to federal safety data released Wednesday.

Allegheny Metallurgical, a West Virginia-based metallurgical coal company, has announced a two-day job fair aimed at connecting both skilled workers and those exploring new career paths with high-quality opportunities within its organization.

The 10th Atlantic Council Global Energy Forum will take place on June 9th and 10th in Washington, DC.

The U.S. Department of Labor has announced its Mine Safety and Health Administration is making $10.5 million in grant funding available to help states provide mine safety training for the nation’s miners.

U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, held a hearing examining the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s (FWS) proposed budget for fiscal year 2027.

Komatsu marked the grand opening of its new Peoria mining and surface haulage headquarters Wednesday with a ceremonial tree planting, a fitting symbol for a company whose name translates from Japanese as "little pine tree."

On July 12, 2025, a delivery truck driver died when the truck he was driving traveled off the road and crashed into a ravine.

Held at Bloomfield’s Abel mine, five composite teams applied their specialist training in search and rescue, first aid, and firefighting across underground and surface settings.

MSHA has established an alliance with the Metallurgical Coal Producers Association that will protect miners working in the coal sector by providing information, guidance, and training resources.

Gerry Finfinger, the well-known and highly respected coal mining researcher, has died.

The U.S. Department of Labor today announced its Mine Safety and Health Administration is making $10.5 million in grant funding available to help states provide mine safety training for the nation’s miners.

With hundreds of millions of dollars in additional federal subsidies recently announced for coal-fired power plants across the US, questions remain over whether the funding will move the needle for a sector that continues to lose ground to natural gas and

Last Thursday, Wisconsin Congressman Derrick Van Orden joined President Donald Trump in the Oval Office as the President announced a $700M investment for America's coal industry and America's energy future.

Coal still moves through southern West Virginia as something more than fuel.

There will be another fantastic presentation on the topic of AI, Automation and Robotics in the Mining Industry.

A message from Chris Hamilton, President, West Virginia Coal Association.

Komatsu is significantly expanding customer support and infrastructure in the Western United States with the planned opening of a new parts distribution facility in Mesa, Arizona.

The U.S. Energy Information Administration published its June Short-Term Energy Outlook (STEO), reducing its expectation for global oil demand in 2026.

The World Economic Forum has warned that an emerging El Nino weather pattern poses a systemic shock to global markets.

WV Gov. Patrick Morrisey and other West Virginia leaders praised President Donald Trump Thursday for approximately $700 million in federal investment in coal-fired power generation, including in West Virginia.

With $491 million invested in the stock by hedge funds as of Q1 2026, Alpha Metallurgical Resources, Inc. (NYSE:AMR) is among the best coal stocks to invest in.

The Illinois Mining Institute Annual Meeting & Illinois State Mine Rescue Contest will be held from Tuesday, June 23, 2026 through Thursday, June 25, 2026.

DOE has announced the selection of four coal modernization and reliability projects to strengthen coal-based generation, grid reliability, and strategic energy infrastructure.

For Peabody Energy, the timing of this move comes as the stock trades at $28.19, after a gain of 112.0% over the past year and 237.2% over the past 5 years.

A Tennessee Valley Authority plant that had been slated for retirement instead will receive more than $46 million in federal funds as President Donald Trump's administration boosts the U.S. coal industry.

On July 29, 2025, a contractor died when the excavator he was tramming toppled forward, causing the cab to land on a boulder.

President Donald Trump will say it: beautiful, clean coal. Alaska will host the first new coal-fired power plant built in the U.S. since 2013.

EPA and Justice Department officials were looking into potential criminal violations by the vast coal empire owned by Sen. Jim Justice. Then the Office of the Deputy Attorney General told them “pencils down.”

We updated our Coal Markets Report for the business week ending ending June 5, 2026.

The Weekly Production / Consumption Report: Week 22 (May 30) has been posted.

West Virginia’s coal industry is facing a major proceeding before the West Virginia Public Service Commission that could have long-term consequences for our state’s coal jobs, coal communities, electric reliability, and utility customers.

A new Trump administration grant program designed to increase the amount of electricity the country gets from coal could have impacts in Pennsylvania, the country’s third-largest coal producer.

As previously announced, WVCA's Annual Membership meeting is planned for August 6 & 7 at the Greenbrier Resort in White Sulphur Springs, WV.

Eriez Highlights Flotation and Separation Innovations in Podcast Recorded at SME MINEXCHANGE

A proposed new coal-fired power plant in West Virginia is moving forward with federal support, as developers refine plans for a 1.6-gigawatt facility that would pair traditional coal generation with carbon capture technology.

Alliance Resource Partners, L.P. has announced that it has entered into definitive agreements to acquire certain general partner and limited partner interests in AllDale Minerals III, LP and AllDale Minerals IV, LP.

Babcock & Wilcox has announced it is collaborating with TerraSpark in support of its planned energy generation project in West Virginia.

Benchmark coal prices in Asia surged to the highest in almost two years following a government announcement from Indonesia concerning control of commodity exports, including coal.

Two years ago, fewer than 100 people attended a conference held by the Colorado Mining Association, but last month's conference drew nearly 300 attendees, speakers and exhibitors.

The Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement recognized Navajo Transitional Energy Company LLC as recipient of its 2025 Excellence in Surface Coal Mining Reclamation Awards for the company’s work at its Cordero Rojo Mine in Wyoming.

The production of global primary steel still depends heavily on metallurgical (met) coal, but the ability to develop new domestic production has become increasingly difficult.

NERC has issued a new Reliability Guideline providing a detailed framework to address reliability issues associated with rapidly growing large loads such as data centers, cryptocurrency mining facilities, hydrogen production facilities, manufacturing faci

Randy Fogle lived by a simple philosophy after surviving the 2002 Quecreek Mine disaster.

Global coking coal prices rose at the end of May: market trends were altered by a fatal accident at a mine in China’s Shanxi province.

Americans pay anywhere from 12¢ to 42¢ per kWh for residential electricity, depending on where they live.

WV Governor Patrick Morrisey and Senators Jim Justice (R-WV) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), as well as the West Virginia Coal Association, all released statements about President Trump’s announcement that involved energy security and the coal industry.

America’s Coal Associations joined together to applaud President Donald J. Trump’s announcement of approximately $700 million in federal investment to strengthen America’s coal fleet.

President Donald Trump’s effort increase America’s energy production is about to pay off for West Virginia.

SME Pittsburgh Section will host the fourth Spring Seminar beginning Thursday, June 11, 2026.

The 2026 deadline for purchasing a memorial tile to honor individuals, groups, or other elements of the coal industry in the Punxsutawney area is June 30.

President Donald Trump unveils a $700 million plan to bolster the U.S. coal industry, including support for 14 coal plants, 42 coal mines, and new export terminals.

West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey and other West Virginia leaders praised President Donald Trump Thursday for approximately $700 million in federal investment in coal-fired power generation, including in West Virginia.

The Governor said that keeping Dave Johnston Unit 3 online is a positive step for Wyoming workers, Wyoming families and everyone who depends on reliable power.

Trump is invoking the Defense Production Act, a Cold War-era emergency law, to pour nearly $700 million into coal plants and a new Oakland export terminal he calls vital to national security.

Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon joined President Donald Trump in the Oval Office on Thursday as the president announced a $700 million investment intended to support the nation’s “clean, beautiful coal” industry.

DOE has announced it will support 13 American coal-fired power plants and new coal export infrastructure by providing up to $500 million in Defense Production Act Title III (DPA) funds.

DOE has announced the selection of four coal modernization and reliability projects to strengthen coal-based generation, grid reliability, and strategic energy infrastructure.

WV Governor Patrick Morrisey joined President Trump at the White House to support a landmark national security initiative aimed at revitalizing the coal industry, lowering domestic energy prices, and countering China’s growing economic dominance.

U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright issued an emergency order to keep affordable, reliable, and secure coal generation online and address critical grid reliability issues in Florida.

Shares of Peabody Energy and other coal stocks advanced on Thursday as President Donald Trump announced he is funneling around $700 million to the sector.

DOE has announced it will support 13 American coal-fired power plants and new coal export infrastructure by providing up to $500 million in Defense Production Act Title III (DPA) funds.

On May 20, 2026, a contract mechanic field technician was fatally injured while removing the radiator guard from a front-end loader when the counterweight fell on him.

The WV Coal Association today applauded President Donald J. Trump’s announcement of approximately $700 million in federal investment to strengthen America’s coal fleet.

We published our Weekly Coal Production report for the week ending May 30, 2026.

The infusion of $700 million is ‘tiny compared to the billions it will cost to achieve everything,’ analysts say.

MSHA has announced the renewal of its alliance with the Essential Minerals Association to provide education and training that will help protect the health and safety of workers in industrial mineral mines and processing facilities.

This is a reminder regarding the 2026 Colorado Regional Contest, which will be held July 27–30, 2026, at the John Q. Hammons Conference Center in Loveland, CO.

MSHA and the National Lime Association has announced the renewal of their alliance that provides information, education, training, and technical assistance to protect worker safety and health specific to lime plants and quarries.

Donald Trump just announced a massive new plan to back one of America's most controversial energy sources.

President Trump is expected to announce that his administration will put about $700 million to bolster coal.

NMA President and CEO Rich Nolan is applauding the news that President Trump will use the Defense Production Act to upgrade the coal fleet and support West Coast export capacity.

ElementUSA has announced a $67 million award from the US Department of Energy (DOE) to advance the design, construction, commissioning and operation of a rare earth element (REE) processing facility in St. John the Baptist Parish, Louisiana.

U.S. President Donald Trump is planning to use Cold War-era national defense powers to send nearly $700 million to support coal facilities, according to a White House official.

On January 19, 2026, a miner was seriously injured when an unsecured slab of marble struck him.

Coal investment will reach $180 billion (C$250 billion) this year, up 4% from last year and the highest since 2012, as the Middle East conflict pushes Asian countries to produce more coal at home, the International Energy Agency says.

The Ohio Supreme Court ruled that a major utility company does not need to refund customers nearly $75 million after being accused of overcharging to support two unprofitable and scandal-ridden coal plants.

The agenda is now live for 2026 Financing US Power, taking place September 28-30 at the Houston Grand Hotel – River Oaks in Houston, Texas.

A decade ago, West Virginia University researchers were among the first to find rare earth elements in acid mine drainage seeping from retired coal mines.

Disciplinary authorities in central China are investigating a county-level Communist Party chief following a coal mine gas blast that killed 82 people and left two missing.

Artificial intelligence promises economy-wide transformation and a pace of innovation we may have never seen before.

Artificial intelligence (“AI”) is transforming the way the world uses energy.

Coal mine safety improves as monitoring technologies, process controls, gas extraction models, ground stability tools, and fire detection systems strengthen hazard prevention in deeper, more complex mining environments globally today.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit has affirmed a district court’s ruling to dismiss the case Lighthiser et al. v. Donald J. Trump et al.

When you turn on a lamp, send a text message, or fly on an airplane: You have just relied on materials made from critical minerals.

Please fill out the Official 2026 Voter Ballot and return to coordinator@imi1892.com

Glencore’s Cerrejon mine in Colombia, one of the world’s largest open-pit coal mines, is monitoring blockades that forced it to suspend operations, it said in statements this week.

As you're aware, WVCA has been actively involved in two major cases before the WV Public Service Commission with significant implications for the state's coal industry.

In 2025, the United States became the third largest steel producing nation in the world, surging past rival economies—thanks to President Trump’s Section 232 tariffs program.

The D.C. District invalidated the BiOp and its accompanying Incidental Take Statement (ITS) as they are relied on by OSM to facilitate Endangered Species Act (ESA) consultation and compliance in delegated state primacy programs.

On May 19, 2026, an assistant shift foreman died after a large section of rib fell and struck him.

The Mountaineers are pulling out all the stops in a winner take all regional final.

Bridgestone has launched an underground mining tire range that it says has been designed to “thrive in some of the harshest working conditions on earth.”

Alpha Metallurgical Resources surged 8.3% on Monday as a broad rally lifted coking coal producers across the board.

A towboat lost power in West Virginia on the Ohio River while pushing 15 loaded coal barges downstream Sunday night.

On November 8, 2025, a section foreman died after a mine was inundated with water from an adjacent abandoned mine.

The Weekly Production / Consumption Report: Week 201 (May 23) has been posted.

The agreement, signed as part of MSHA’s Alliance Program, brings together MCPA and MSHA to promote safer working environments through training, education, outreach and information sharing across the metallurgical coal industry.

Wyoming's abundant mineral, hard rock, and energy reserves exemplify the natural gifts America has been blessed with, all of which fuel the advancement and betterment of mankind.

We updated our Coal Markets Report for the business week ending May 29, 2026.

Welcome to the June 2026 edition of CORESafety TV — the online video program from the National Mining Association.

American Resources Corporation, a leader in the critical mineral supply chain, today announced its June conference schedule.

In December 2025, Indonesia quietly abandoned plans to close the Cirebon-1 coal power plant.

Most major oil and gas operators and national energy companies require custody transfer ultrasonic flow meters (USMs) to be calibrated using the exact project-specific meter run spool that will later be installed in the field.

Torreblanca, who will participate in the World Mining Congress, warned that while global demand for strategic minerals continues to grow, countries such as Chile, Argentina, and Ecuador are advancing in their efforts to attract new investments.

Analysts have reduced their price target for Alpha Metallurgical Resources by $10 to $194.50, citing updated assumptions related to fair value, discount rate, revenue growth, profit margin, and future P/E.

House lawmakers are pushing a legislative package to curb coal mine pollution as the Trump administration moves to boost fossil fuels.

The global demand for metallurgical coal, an essential ingredient in primary steelmaking, exceeds 1.1 billion metric tons annually and is expected to remain resilient through 2035.

In Shanxi, the province that sits at the heart of China's coal-mining industry, there's long been a saying: "Only go down a coal pit when you have no other way out."

Coal is inarguably one of the big winners from the energy flow disruption in the Middle East.

A blast on Sunday at a building in northeastern Myanmar said to have been storing explosives for mining has killed more than 45 people.