By Jordan Nelson 

June 11, 2017 - With the possibility of a coal mining uptick, Alpha Natural Resources held a job fair at Independence Middle School Friday, in hopes of getting new applicants. 

According to a press release from ANR, Marfork Coal Co., an affiliate of ANR, is expected to create more than 50 jobs with the opening of a new underground mine, Panther Eagle Mine, near Pettus in the western end of Raleigh County. 

Charles Bearse, vice president of Operations said they are thrilled to be bringing mining jobs back to our counties.

"Recent improvement in the market has created more demand for our coal and strategically increasing production will help meet that need," said Bearse. 

ANR operates 14 underground mines, six surface mine operations and nine preparation plants and they expect to produce 14 million tons of coal in 2017, with an estimated 110,000 coming from Panther Eagle Mine. 

Jamie Mcclaugherty, mine superintendent of ANR, said this possible coal uptick is something which will be good for everyone. 

"I'm a lifelong coal miner, have been since right out of high school," said Mcclaugherty. "All of this could be really good for our area, and I believe we've had a lot of luck today with applicants." 

Shane Layne, of Pikeville, Ky., recently moved to Beckley with his wife. "I'm looking for a new job, and coal mining is all I have ever really known," said Layne. 

"There really isn't anything I'd rather be doing," said Layne. "I'm really glad Alpha is offering this opportunity to experienced miners." 

Steven Randolph, of Beckley, said he is currently working at the Beckley VA Medical Center, but is thinking of going back into the mining field. 

Randolph said he studied electricity at Academy of Careers and Technology, and would love to bring his knowledge of electrical work by going back into the coal mines. 

"I was laid off from the mines in 2014," said Randolph. "So I really think Alpha bringing in new jobs is a really positive thing because so many people are out of work." 

The fair included applicants filling out applications, and face-to-face interviews as well. 

The full-time jobs will include medical and other benefits. 

Although the company is hoping to hire experienced miners, the job fairs are open to all qualified candidates including apprentice miners, contractors, or workers with skills from other industries that could transfer over to mining. 

Job fairs to employ Panther Eagle Mine will take place on the following dates: 

June 16 - Country Inns and Suites, Beckley

June 23 - Sherman Elementary School, Comfort

June 30 - Sharon Dawes Elementary School, Miami

Applicants are encouraged to bring their resumes to any of the above locations between the hours of 8 a.m. and 6 p.m.