Black Butte Coal allegedly initiates more layoffs

After laying off 19 employees in November, Black Butte Coal Co. has allegedly started a second round of layoffs at its surface mine in Sweetwater County, Wyo., reported Wyoming Public Radio citing a SweetwaterNOW article. In this latest round, 30 employees are likely to be laid off – about a third of the company’s current payroll.  “Some of these people…

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Cumberland coal mine not closing: owner

Despite reports to the contrary late last month by regional media citing the United Mine Workers of America, coal miner Iron Senergy has confirmed that its Cumberland underground mine in Greene County, Pa., is not, in fact, closing its doors. Company officials said they are aware of the statements from the UMWA related to the permanent closure of the operation.…

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WVCS 2024 rolls smoothly into second day

The West Virginia Coal Show 2024 entered its second and final day today in Charleston, W.Va., with returning large crowds on the show floor taking in special features and great industry conversation. Doors opened once again at 10 a.m. at the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center, with many new faces picking up pre-registration badges and signing up on-site. The West…

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WV Governor Justice declares week of sold-out WV Coal Show, Symposium ‘Coal Days’

West Virginia Governor Jim Justice has issued a Proclamation declaring the week of March 25-29, 2024 as “Coal Days of West Virginia” to honor and recognize coal mining, which has been a foundational industry in West Virginia, providing countless high-paying industrial jobs and contributing immensely to West Virginia’s overall economic health. It further acknowledges the West Virginia Coal Association, which…

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U.S. thermal coal exports highest in five years

According to data from ship-tracking firm Kpler, the United States exported more than 32.5 million metric tons of thermal coal in 2023, reported Reuters. The total volumes were the highest since 2018, and were worth more than $5 billion.  Coal miners and trading firms have stepped up sales of U.S. coal to international buyers as domestic use of the product…

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NIOSH planning three-state black lung screening program

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is planning free, confidential black lung screenings to coal miners in August in Virginia, Kentucky and West Virginia. Screenings are provided through the NIOSH mobile testing unit at convenient community and mine locations. All coal miners – current, former, underground, surface, and those under contract – are welcome to participate.   Participation…

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