It looks kind of like a class reunion, old friends catching up.
In a way that's exactly what the Coal Symposium is but the discussions aren't just chit chat, they're about ways to make the coal industry the best it can be.
Randall Maggard, Argus Energy, "It's a chance to exchange ideas and find out more information."
The symposium isn't just for the coal companies, vendors are on hand to tout the latest and greatest technologies out there.
In a way that's exactly what the Coal Symposium is but the discussions aren't just chit chat, they're about ways to make the coal industry the best it can be.
Randall Maggard, Argus Energy, "It's a chance to exchange ideas and find out more information."
The symposium isn't just for the coal companies, vendors are on hand to tout the latest and greatest technologies out there.
Mike Richardson, Rish Equipment, "They of course are our best customer and we try to support them."
One of the most important new technologies centers on how to track miners and get to them in the case of an emergency.
Mike Hastings, Carroll Technology, "There is no body in this industry that wants to mine unsafe."
Sen. Jay Rockefeller, (D) West Virginia, "This country can not live without coal."
Senator Jay Rockefeller took part in the talks and says the country's new leadership is focused on the environment and coal will have to be cleaner.
Sen. Jay Rockefeller, "We are all going to have to spend more money, maybe take more risks than we want to, but there is no choice now because there is no leeway."
Maggard says industry leaders know better than anyone the importance of preserving the environment and they plan to do their part.
Randall Maggard, "We're out there everyday, we try our best to put every thing back the best we can."
The symposium continues through Friday.