July 10, 2018 - 150 coal jobs are returning to the mountains after Bluestone Industries announced the planned hiring for three mines in Pike and Letcher County, Kentucky.

"Every job that can be created in our county or in this region, helps our economy," said Letcher County Judge Executive Jim Ward.

Letcher County has taken a significant hit when it comes to coal. A year ago Kingdom Coal Mine restarted production, only to shut back down a year later.

The announcement of Bluestone Industries restart of the A&G Coal #4 surface mine in Letcher County is welcomed news to all.

"I have talked to business who you know work in the mining industry and all of them were thrilled," said Ward.

In Pike County, Beech Creek surface mine near Phelps and Bent Mountain surface mine near Meta will be restarted again soon.

The release did not mention how many jobs would be at each sight, but, that doesn't matter to Judge Ward. It is about the jobs period, and the support it will bring to the region's economy.

"It will be great to have some miners back to work help stimulate the economy a little more, it is just great news," said Ward.

Bluestone Industries is owned by West Virginia Governor Jim Justice. Justice has come under fire in the past for not paying taxes on the land that he mines.

"We're looking at getting our people back to work and hopefully he will pay his taxes as he mines," said Ward.

If you are interested in applying for one of the open positions, Bluestone Industries asks that you email them a resume to hiring@bluestoneindustries.com. 

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