Coal’s comeback: A year of realism, renewal, and restored confidence

The following is an op-ed from the West Virginia Coal Association. It has been edited only for style and clarity. Looking back at 2025 – and forward with confidence. As the calendar turns, it is worth pausing to take stock of where we’ve been and where we’re headed. For America’s coal industry – and especially for the men and women…

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Frontieras op-ed: Coal’s Comeback Starts in West Virginia: What FASForm Means for Miners, Workers, and Everyday Investors

Ed. Note – The following was penned by Frontieras North America CEO Matthew McKean. For generations, West Virginia coal has fueled America’s rise. It was West Virginia miners who helped forge the steel that built the East Coast, powered factories, and armed a nation in wartime. The Appalachian coalfields were the backbone of American industry – and their contribution was…

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Black Butte expansion extends operations through 2039

The U.S. Department of the Interior has approved a mining plan change for the Black Butte mine in Sweetwater County, Wyo. The change allows the Black Butte Coal Co. to recover about 9.2 million tons of federal coal in two new areas, known as Pit 15 and Pit 10.  “The Black Butte mine expansion strengthens our nation’s Energy Dominance by…

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Trump signs executive order to boost coal

U.S. President Donald Trump has inked four executive orders he said will reinvigorate the coal industry by attempting to classify the commodity as a mineral, and lift several regulatory barriers to coal that will open the doors to its expanded use once more. The White House said Trump has directed the Chair of the National Energy Dominance Council to designate…

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West Virginia Coal Show 2025 just days away

Less than a week remains before the doors open at the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center in West Virginia for the second West Virginia Coal Show on April 15-16. The show, which will extend across a main show floor, coliseum space and main lobby areas, will bring together top suppliers and service companies with decision makers in the coal industry…

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All in the family

NAM talks with the family behind Cincinnati Mine Machinery about its history, operations, staying power and future outlook. Read more about the Stenger family, their commitment to remain American made, and CMM’s role in mining’s resilience moving forward. Edited by Donna Schmidt It’s an enviable milestone to reach 100 years in business. Cincinnati Mine Machinery did just that in 2024.…

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From the coal face

The coal industry is glad for its coal advocates, especially those who help take on the headwinds of public opinion and perception, regulations and its future – all at the same time. In this month’s Q&A, NAM spoke with FutureCoal’s Michelle Manook on the heels of the group’s rebranding from the World Coal Association. Edited by Donna Schmidt NAM: Hi,…

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Welcome to the 2024 West Virginia Coal Show

It’s arrived. The countdown clock on the show web site has reached zero. After nearly a year of planning, the inaugural West Virginia Coal Show is a reality. Being held in conjunction with the 50th West Virginia Coal Association Symposium, both promise to energize and excite – even for those who couldn’t make it here to join us. As we…

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Heading Underground with J. H. Fletcher’s Ben Hardman

If you work in coal, especially at one of the country’s many underground coal mines, the name Ben Hardman is likely a familiar one. In this issue’s executive Q&A, we talk to the VP about his industry history, the outlook for automation and his views on the coal industry. Edited by Donna Schmidt NAM: How did you get your start…

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Richwood only scratching the surface

Belt cleaners and cleaning blades that can stand the test of time are crucial for conveyor producer Richwood.  Over forty years ago, a new concept in belt cleaning, simply called the 1C, was introduced by Richwood.  Since inception, Richwood has focused exclusively on their proprietary engineered equipment designs. Each belt cleaning system is manufactured at their facilities in Huntington, West…

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