This editor is known for her collection of T-shirts emblazoned with sayings, my favorite being, “I am silently correcting your grammar.” Fitting, amiright?
I have another, though, given to me some time ago from a coal company that has their name on the front, and the back reading, “My blood runs black.” I’ve often used that in my personal and professional conversations since first reading it, as my industry career began covering (mostly underground) coal mining news and technology.
Many of you opening this edition of North American Mining may be doing so at our inaugural West Virginia Coal Show, being held at the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center in the state’s capital city. If so, welcome! Look for our team; we’d love to properly meet you if we haven’t already and hear more about your motivation to become a part of this exciting event.
A quick final reminder, also: if you happen to see this letter before the show starts, don’t forget to pre-register at www.wvcoalshow.com.
If you’re not able to join us, watch our social media channels on Facebook, X and LinkedIn for photos from the show floor – including our move-in activities. Watch for coverage news, too, on socials and the show website.
If you’re looking at this issue from your home or office, there’s a little something for everyone in these pages. While this is our first of three coal-focused editions in 2024, we’ve mixed it up with the latest from across the industry, including discussions on haulage and loading, slurry pumps, motor drives and more. For legal insight, check out Willa’s take on the issue of failure-to-abate orders.
Finally, I would be remiss not to highlight this issue’s cover story on America’s newest longwall mine, Allegheny Metallurgical’s Longview operation in West Virginia. The story, including the investment road the operator has taken to today and its plans for tomorrow. We hope you enjoy it.
Once you have read through this NAM issue, whether at the coal show or from your desk, please take a moment and drop us a line at [email protected]. We’re currently working on our annual readership survey, which we hope to have released via email in the spring, and we’d like to hear from you regarding what mining issues you want to read about. Everyone, regardless of location and job title, has a different perspective, and we want your insight.
In the meantime, stay safe and work smart.
Donna Schmidt
Editor, North American Mining magazine
[email protected]
(740) 624-4642
Twitter: @Dschmidt_NAM