January 2, 2026 - West Virginia Coal Association President Chris Hamilton is reflecting on the past year from the coal industry’s perspective.

Chris Hamilton

He says there are achievements and successes to speak on, but with recent tragedies in the state, he wants to keep the main priority at the top of the list.

“There’s been some positive aspects in working with the Trump administration, but at this time when we just experienced an accident, we probably just want to keep this focused on safety right now and doing everything that we can so all of our miners can go home each and every night to their loved ones,” Hamilton said on MetroNews Midday.

Three miners have died in the Mountain State over the course of two months.

Joey Mitchell, Jr died at the Mountain View Mine in Tucker County on Nov. 6, Steve Lipscomb died two days later after the Rolling Thunder Mine in Nicholas County flooded on Nov. 8, and Robert White died at the Lower War Eagle Mine in Wyoming County on December 18.

Hamilton says things can always be tightened up.

“Most of the accidents that we experience today are recurrences of accidents,” Hamilton said.

“We’ve got to be extra vigilant right now and just keep a constant watch for changes in the environment that could produce a concerning situation,” he continued.

On the positive side, Hamilton acknowledged the re-start of production at the Leer South Mine in Barbour County, which was halted last January due to an underground fire.

Hamilton says another bright spot is that the Trump administration is doing what it can to help the coal industry.

“They’re looking at every way possible to help the coal industry,” Hamilton said. “We’re working with Governor Morrisey and his energy team to make sure that we accommodate all those positive changes that are occurring on the federal level.”

Hamilton says there are significant challenges heading into 2026.

“Our met coal production is experiencing some headwinds right now with a real glut of Chinese-produced steel that we’re experiencing around the world, which is cutting into the metallurgical coal supplies,” he said. 

“There’s also some real fierce competition out there on the global marketplace at the time, but we’re holding our own and we look forward to the coming year and some new changes and being able to expand that portfolio,” Hamilton continued.