Governor Jim Justice recently announced that DST Innovations, a UK technology company headquartered in Wales, has chosen West Virginia as the home of its new American manufacturing base; agreeing on a contract with West Virginia-based company Blue Rock Manufacturing to establish a new facility for the development of its new energy cells.

The new facility will be the forefront of green technology, using existing organic material such as coal to create new clean energy storage solutions. The development is expected to create up to 1,000 new jobs in the manufacturing and technology sectors. The manufacturing base will be located in Morgantown, with a Phase 2 expansion planned for the Southern Coalfields region of the state.

The Friends of Coal Ladies Auxiliary, established in 2007 to raise awareness about the benefits of coal and the individuals who mine it, is conducting their annual Christmas “Giving Hearts” program. 

As ambassadors of the coal industry, the Friends of Coal Ladies Auxiliary provides food, clothing, and toys to over 500 families.  Our state and country are experiencing unprecedented circumstances with the Covid-19 pandemic and widespread economic hardship.  The organization’s work in the community is essential and is a shining example of the good our industry does for our friends and neighbors in need. 

If you can make a donation to assist us in helping those in need, please contact Regina Fairchild at (304) 255-1457, extension 20.  All contributions are tax deductible. 

For more information, visit https://www.friendsofcoalladies.com/.

Charleston, W.Va. - - Serving as President and Chief Executive Officer of the West Virginia Coal Association since 1992, the organization has announced that Bill Raney will retire effective January 1, 2021 following a long and impactful career. 

“Bill Raney is an icon to those of us that have worked in and around the mining industry and to many throughout the state of West Virginia,” said Heath Lovell, chairman of the West Virginia Coal Association board of directors. “His passion for, and contributions to this industry over his professional career are unsurpassed.  He is the original “Friend of Coal” and we wish him a long, fruitful and well-deserved retirement.” 

The West Virginia Coal Association today issued the following statement on the passing of Robert Murray, founder and CEO of Murray Energy. “We are saddened to hear of the passing of Murray Energy CEO Robert Murray.

Bob was the embodiment of the American Dream – a fourth-generation coal miner who made his way from the mine face to the board room. He never wavered in his love for our industry and for the people who work in it. He defended our nation’s coal jobs with the passion of a country preacher. We have been proud to have Bob Murray as a member of our association and, more importantly, to call him our friend. He will be missed.”

The WVCA sends its condolences to his wife Brenda, and sons: Robert, Ryan and Jonathan.