MORGANTOWN, W.Va. -- A proposed longwall mining complex in north-central West Virginia could create as many as 520 jobs.
CONSOL Energy says the Mason-Dixon Mining Complex it's planning near Wadestown in Monongalia County would indirectly support about 2,600 jobs. It's expected to produce coal for about 30 years.
The Dominion Post says the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is taking public comments on the project's environmental impact Tuesday.
Permit records at the state Department of Environmental Protection show the northern boundary of the mine's refuse site could come within 100 feet of Oak Forest United Methodist Church and Oak Forest Cemetery.
But Pastor Rose Saunders says her members are comfortable with Consol's plans.
Consol officials say construction could begin in about two years, but the timing depends on market conditions.