June 19, 2024 - “The first aim of the Symposium is to aid the search for zero fatalities in coal mines and Session 1 – The Road to Zero, is dedicated to just that,” said Bill Reid, Symposium Chair and Managing Editor of CoalZoom.com. “NIOSH has prepared a special paper for us called “Analysis of Coal Mining Accidents” and we have assembled a group of industry experts to comment on their area of expertise and make recommendations on how to prevent fatal accidents. In this way, we are trying to make a significant impact in coal mine safety.”

Bill Reid

The speakers in Session 1 include: Christopher J. Williamson, Assistant Secretary of Labor, MSHA; Stephen G. Sawyer, PhD., Director, NIOSH Pittsburgh Research Center; Paul Krivokuca, VP of Health & Safety, National Mining Association; Bob Sherack, Vice President Mining Products, Komatsu; Josh Judge, Vice President of Safety, Eagle Specialty Materials; and Daniel Sole, AVP Safety, Metinvest-United Coal. 

Christopher Williamson 

Dr. Stephen G. Sawyer  

Paul Krivokuca

Bob Sherack

Josh Judge

Daniel Sole 

The Bluefield Coal Symposium has the theme Using U.S. Coal for a Better America and this outstanding national event to be held August 12-14 in Princeton, WV is jointly presented by the Chamber of Commerce of the Two Virginias and CoalZoom.com. Over a day and a half, there are three technical sessions, two dinners, and one luncheon.

The Symposium includes entertainment with special live performances by Twitty and Lynn:  A Salute to Conway & Loretta, as well as an appearance of Exile, who will perform many of their hit songs.  

Twitty and Lynn

Exile

The greater Bluefield area is quite beautiful in August, and those attending the Symposium will experience high-quality presentations, great food and top-class entertainment, combined with plenty of friendly socializing, all happening in a picturesque setting in the heart of coal country.

Registration is open. Package A including everything costs $495.00. Package A (Student or Retired) costs $225.00 per person and Package F Table Top Display with MINExpo enhancement costs $995.00.

For more registration details, please contact the Chamber of Commerce at (304) 327-7184 or visit www.CoalZoom.com Bill Reid can be reached at billreidcoal@gmail.com.