Featured

Federal Mine Health & Safety Academy Commemorates Mine Rescue Day

In honor of the commitment and courage of mine rescuers past and present, the Mine Safety and Health Administration commemorated the Third Annual Mine Rescue Day on Friday, Oct. 30 by showcasing the latest emergency response equipment and technology at the National Mine Health and Safety Academy in Beaver, West Virginia.

"Mine rescue is among the most challenging emergency work that is undertaken in our country," said Assistant Secretary of Labor for Mine Safety and Health Joseph Main. "When a mine disaster strikes, mine rescue volunteers, brave men and women, don't hesitate to answer the call, be it day or night. Many times these great volunteers from the mining community travel miles in the dark and under arduous and treacherous conditions, navigating mine workings sometimes filled with debris and explosive gases to find missing miners or recover those who did not survive. That's what they do. They are our heroes."

Bill Raney, president of the West Virginia Coal Association, echoed Main's comments.
"Our coal miners are the best in the world and our safety teams are the best in the world as well," Raney said. "They go where no one else wants to go. They go to the danger and they are our angels, and this event salutes their skill and courage -- and through them it honors every coal miner."

Featured

WVCA Provides Information on the Proposed Proximity Detection Rule

Follow this link for a pre-publication copy of a proposed rule that the Mine Safety and Health Administration will publish in the Federal Register tomorrow regarding the installation of proximity detection system on underground mining equipment.  Also available at this link is a fact sheet that the agency has prepared. Comments on the rule will be accepted through Dec. 2, 2015.

 Under the proposed rule operators of underground coal mines would be required to install proximity detection systems on mining equipment, coal hauling machines and scoops on working sections using continuous mining machines. Consistent with the proximity requirements for continuous mining machines the proposal indicates that the final rule will be phased-in over a period of 8-36 months depending upon the date of manufacture and installation of proximity technology in advance of the final rule.

Featured

Obituaries - 11/9/2015

We extend our heartfelt condolences and prayers to the families and loved ones of the several members of our Association family who have passed away during the past month. 


John Francis

Well known industry engineer and friend, John Francis, passed away on October 6th in Culloden, WV.  Many in the industry remember John for his practical ingenuity and attention to problem solving during his long career with Long Airdox and Persinger’s. John is survived by his wife, Rosemary, and family, who have indicated any memorials may be made to the Grace Baptist Temple, 1901 MacCorkle Avenue, St. Albans, WV  25177 or to a charity of one’s choice.   John’s funeral was held in Huntington.

Hundreds converge on the State Capital for Coal Forum ahead of President’s visit

CHARLESTON, WV - Since President Barack Obama was due to speak in Charleston, West Virginia in the afternoon, mining industry officials, political leaders and pro-coal citizens took the opportunity to have their opinions heard the morning of Oct. 21.
 
They gathered for a Coal Forum Rally at the State Capitol grounds, beside the miner statue on the west side of the grounds, just a few hours before the scheduled arrival of the president.
 
Organizers said the rally was planned "to demonstrate disapproval with federal policies affecting West Virginia’s mining industry and the state residents it supports."

An Open Letter to President Obama: Answers must address the root of the drug problem

Bill Raney, President

West Virginia Coal Association

Thank you, President Obama, for coming to West Virginia to discuss the rampant drug problem faced by our state, our region and, indeed, our nation. 

Perhaps no place has been more affected by the scourge of drugs — both prescription and illegal — than West Virginia. And perhaps no place in West Virginia has been more affected than the coalfields.

I can honestly say I don’t think there is a family in this state that hasn’t been touched by this problem.

Whether it is the disabled coal miner who becomes addicted to pain medications or the teenager who gets hooked on illegal drugs or even the middle-aged professional who becomes dependent on alcohol or narcotics, substance abuse spares no one.