By Cory McCauley 

June 7, 2017 - A surface mine in the Phleps community of Pike County, Kentucky will soon begin work.

Southern Coal Corporation recently announced that Beech Creek Coal Company is set to reopen.

Some in the Phelps community said they are excited for the mine to reopen.

They said recently they have seen an increase in coal trucks, something that once seemed like a distant memory.

"You see 18 wheelers on the road now, you got your ten wheelers and, just coal is being revived," said Brian Hurley.

Hurley has felt the effects of the struggling coal industry.

He worked for a company that repaired mining motors, but lost his job more than a year ago.

However, he believes the coal industry is now making a come back.

"There's more jobs that are going in every day and the area is really looking up," said Hurley.

Hurley said he's hopeful more coal mines will open.

"That tells me there's definitely going to be a boom, there is going to be a pick up of business, the businesses around here are going to thrive once more," said Hurley.

Officials said the mine is looking to hire more than 100 people and produce about 500,000 tons on coal per year.

Currently equipment is being assembled and officials are in the hiring process.

Officials have not released an opening date.

If you are interested in applying, you can email a resume to hiring@bluestoneindustries.com.