A report in The State Journal this week indicated coal mining remains the primary driver of the state’s economic engine.  Mark Muchow, deputy secretary of the West Virginia Department of Revenue, presented a balanced budget to the House of Delegates Finance Committee January 12, and cited coal employment and exports as some of the major drivers of West Virginia's economy.

According to Muchow's presentation, forty percent of coal, mostly metallurgical coal, ends up in Europe, although Asian and South American countries are becoming players in the coal market. The price of coal was four times higher in 2011 when compared to 2003, Muchow said.

The building partnership between the U.S. military and the state’s mining industry continued this week with the official opening of a “drop zone” training center for the West Virginia Air National Guard on a reclaimed surface mine in Clay County.

"That's a good example of why the guys on the ground in Afghanistan want West Virginia guys flying their loads," said Major General James Hoyer, the state's adjutant general, who was among those watching an airdrop exercise at the West Virginia National Guard's new Fola drop zone on Tuesday.

Remember The Miners, the non-profit organization dedicated to honoring coal miners and their legacy through public awareness campaigns and charitable contributions, is excited to announce a sweepstakes to win entrance to the Bob Huggins Tailgate presented by Little General, to be held on January 17th at the Moose Lodge in Charleston.

The winner will receive a table at the event (seats 10), as well as three VIP passes. VIP ticket holders have admittance to the meet and greet with Coach Bob Huggins, Honorary Chairman of Remember The Miners, as well as access to the Smooth Ambler Spirits tasting room. The event will also feature West Virginia band Taylor Made, who will be playing live music during the event.

To enter the sweepstakes, click here, or access the Facebook page. The deadline to enter is January 16th at 5:00 PM EST.  The Charleston Moose Lodge is located at 2805 Kanawha Boulevard East in Charleston, WV.

West Virginia University’s Engineering and Mineral Resources School will be named the Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources in honor of businessman, philanthropist, former WVCA Board member and WVU alumnus Ben Statler, WVU President Jim Clements and other officials announced Thursday.

Statler and his wife, Jo, both natives of Monongalia County, today pledged $34 million to the College – the largest single gift commitment ever to the University and to a college – at a special ceremony at the Erickson Alumni Center; $11 million of the donation will qualify for a match from the state Research Trust Fund (RTF), making the total value of the naming gift $45 million.

With Marcellus shale legislation far off the minds of many legislators, West Virginia lawmakers are adjusting their sights back to an old favorite: the coal industry.

A bevy of laws aimed at bolstering the industry, or inhibiting it, have been introduced in both the House and Senate. While some may die in committee or may never be seen again, there are a number of coal-related bills vying for a spot on the Governor's desk this year.