Xcel Energy, facing what it says is a shortfall in electricity generating capacity for the next two years, is proposing to run its four coal-fired units until 2030.

DOE has issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) for a crude oil exchange from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) as part of the 172-million-barrel exchange announced earlier this week. This first RFP will be for 86 million barrels of crude oil.

Aalberts integrated piping systems (IPS) approaches 100 years of its “Apollo”® Valves brand, a century-long legacy defined by American manufacturing, engineering discipline, and specification trust in mission-critical flow control.

Montana’s mining industry is critically important to not only our state but the country.

Greenbrier Minerals, LLC has announced plans to idle seven mining operations in southern West Virginia, a move that will result in 530 permanent layoffs beginning April 14.

Coal-fired power generation is having something of a moment. It isn’t clear just how long it will last.

DOE's Office of Critical Minerals and Energy Innovation has announced a Notice of Funding Opportunity for up to $500 million to expand U.S. critical mineral and materials processing and derivative battery manufacturing and recycling.

On March 9, 1976, an explosion occurred in the Scotia mine in Letcher County, Kentucky when methane gas accumulated in a dead-end section of the mine.

The huge investment comes after campaigning by locals and could see it become a first of its kind energy source.

Kevin Dempsey will be a keynote speaker at the Metallurgical Coal Producers Association annual conference and expo in Roanoke, WV, May 18-20, 2026.

Coal miners averaged $112,800 in annual wages in 2024 — nearly twice the average wage for all private-sector workers in West Virginia. Coal accounts for only 2.5 percent of the state’s private-sector jobs but generates 4.8 percent of total private-sector

The global mining industry is what is known as a "hard-to-abate" sector, because its path to decarbonisation is more circuitous and tortuous than others.

Peabody Energy is positioned to benefit from elevated global coal prices linked to recent geopolitical tensions affecting oil and gas supplies.

This analysis was completed in conjunction with the February Short-Term Energy Outlook (STEO). The results may differ slightly from the most recent forecasts published in the March STEO.

The Tennessee Valley Authority, which provides power to 10 million people across Alabama and six other states, will spend more than $2 billion on coal ash costs from 2026 to 2030.

In January 2026, Warrior Met Coal celebrated the completion of its Blue Creek Mine Project in Tuscaloosa County, Alabama.

In just a few weeks, the industry will gather for the 2026 West Virginia Coal Show, and we want to make sure you’re in the room where it happens.

Coal mining and coal-fired power generation generated about $21 billion in economic activity and supported more than 36,000 jobs in West Virginia in 2024.

The Metallurgical Coal Producers Association is finalizing its program and this year we have exciting and informative speakers.

The New Belt Lifter Model is designed to safely raise conveyor belts ranging from 48 to 72 inches (1200 to 1800 mm).

An 83-year-old coal miner in Marion County, West Virginia is being recognized for a milestone few workers ever reach: 50 years underground.

A determined group of senators is trying again to pass a bill they say would stabilize electricity costs and provide needed support to the coal industry.

Once slated for 2035 retirement, energy reliability through modernization of two dual-fuel plants in North Carolina will extend their lifespan to at least 2040.

Along Michigan’s Upper Peninsula lies the Marquette Iron Range, home to iron mines. Just southeast of the region is the small town of Iron River, where Mary Korpi spent most of her childhood and early adulthood.

Researchers at the University of Wyoming School of Energy Resources (SER) have published a pioneering study in the International Journal of Coal Geology.

DOE is now accepting applications for the Fall 2026 term of the Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internships (SULI) program and the Community College Internships (CCI) program.

Why do some mining projects succeed while others face delays, cost overruns, or even fail? This is one of the most critical questions facing the global industry and will be the focus of a special block of sessions at the World Mining Congress (WMC) 2026.

We published our Weekly Coal Production report for the week ending March 7, 2026.

Coal has more uses than electricity generation and steel production – CONSOL Innovations from Core Natural Resources is exploring new ways to use this abundant resource.

The West Virginia Coal Festival, a celebration of the state's coal mining heritage, was represented at Fairs and Festivals Day at the Capitol in Charleston.

U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright released a statement regarding the International Energy Agency and the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve.

Starting March 30, Wyoming will be taking the leading role in regulating and scrutinizing permitting for disposal of coal-burning byproducts within the state.

The Weekly Production / Consumption Report: Week 9 (Feb. 28) has been posted.

Permanent Magnet Direct Drive (PMDD) Motors eliminate the need for belts and sheaves by employing a direct drive design, drastically reducing mechanical complexity and removing common points of failure.

KPS Capital Partners, LP has announced that, through a newly formed affiliate, it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire a controlling interest in Jennmar and its affiliates.

TVA is taking steps to postpone the planned retirement dates of about 3,900 megawatts of generation from two coal-fired power plants. Many electric utilities across the U.S. have delayed the retirement of generators that burn coal.

The West Virginia Coal Association has announced the next three featured speakers for West Virginia Coal Symposium.

A message from Carla Gustafson, Joseph A. Holmes Safety Association.

Major demolition milestone reached as Aberthaw Power Station in the Vale of Glamorgan is transformed as part of £30m project.

The conference is scheduled for May 18-20 (Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday), 2026, at the Stonewall Resort, Roanoke, West Virginia.

Premium hard coking coal (HCC) prices from Australia held steady at around $220.5/t FOB Australia.

Mining remains one of the most highly regulated industries in the United States.

On June 15, 2025, a miner died after the telehandler that he had been operating overturned onto him while he was outside the equipment moving a water pump suction line.

Upcoming Tug Valley Mining Institute meetings.

Time to register is running out. Sponsorships will be cut-off by March 19th so that boards can be ordered.

During the last week of the session, West Virginia lawmakers are racing to pass tax breaks and loosen regulations on the ailing coal industry.

U.S. Rep. Harriet Hageman, R-Wyo., on Monday introduced legislation to reform bonus bids for coal producers on federal leases designed to cut upfront costs in half.

National Gear Repair, Inc. has strengthened its position as a domestic industrial gear manufacturing specialist, leveraging more than 40 years of expertise to address critical supply chain needs for heavy industry sectors across North America.

Tennessee Valley Authority leaders and President Donald Trump have touted “beautiful clean coal” in recent weeks. Scientists, however, widely consider coal to be the most toxic fossil fuel.

On March 10, the DEP Citizens Advisory Council issued an invitation to the public and other stakeholder interests to provide comments on DEP.

We expect U.S. electricity generation will grow by 1.2% in 2026 and by 3.1% in 2027 led by demand growth in the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) region.

Virginia is poised to pass sweeping employment legislation this year. With parallel legislation moving through the Senate and the House in several key areas, we expect several bills to become law.

U.S. electricity generation has been increasing by an average of 2% per year since 2021 to meet growing electricity demand following a period of flat demand growth between 2010 and 2019.

Energy Secretary Chris Wright visits Colorado, addresses rising fuel prices due to war in Iran

DOE's Office of Science has announced the first-ever recipients of the DOE Distinguished Mentor Award for Workforce Development.

Over 24,000 megawatt of coal and lignite-based power generation capacity is at various stages of planning in India, Parliament was informed on Monday.

Congresswoman Harriet Hageman (R-WY) has introduced legislation to reform bonus bids for coal producers on federal leases designed to cut upfront costs in half.

West Virginia delegates asked critical questions about legislation focused on coal-fired power plant capacity and how costs for rate payers could be affected.

The United Mine Worker of America held its 63rd annual memorial service remembering the Robena Mine Disaster on Saturday, December 6, 2025, near Carmichaels, Pennsylvania.

At the base of a barren mountain, near a long-abandoned machine shop along a highway in rural Letcher County, Kentucky lies an unassuming pond shrouded in overgrowth and surrounded by metal pipes and rusted equipment.

FutureCoal, the Global Alliance for Sustainable Coal, has welcomed New Hope Group as a new member, reflecting a growing shift in Australia toward a more balanced and realistic conversation on coal, energy security and industrial resilience.

Artificial intelligence applied to mining is becoming one of the factors driving transformation and competitiveness in the industry.

We updated our Coal Markets Report for the business week ending March 6, 2026.

The WV Coal Association has announced the results of a new study documenting the powerful, far reaching statewide economic benefits of coal mining and coalfired power generation in West Virginia.

Epiroc AB, a leading productivity and sustainability partner for the mining and infrastructure industries, has agreed to acquire the business of Eventspec Proprietary Limited, a South African mining aftermarket solutions provider.

The US coal mining industry is navigating a complex landscape, with revenue projected to reach over $30 billion by 2026.

Scientists at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have found a way to convert the nation's 500,000 abandoned coal mines into long-term energy storage using pumped hydro technology.

Global coal prices surged over the past week as geopolitical tensions and rising gas prices pushed energy markets sharply higher.

Coal prices jumped to the highest level since November 2024 as continuing military strikes in the Middle East pushed countries around the world to consider switching away from oil and gas stuck in the region.

The WV Coal Association has announced the results of a new study documenting the powerful, far reaching statewide economic benefits of coal mining and coal?fired power generation in West Virginia.

Op-Ed by Virginia Congressman Morgan Griffith.

A shuttered Maryland coal plant could get a new lease on life thanks to the data center boom. But it’s unclear if the plant would burn coal or be converted to use another fuel.

It’s “fair to say” that Pennsylvanians are going to pay more for electricity, partly because neighboring states are aggressively instituting “clean energy” programs while relying on Pennsylvania to make up the difference when wind and solar fall short.

On March 9, 1976, Blue Diamond Coal’s Scotia mine in Oven Fork, Kentucky, blew up. It was the middle of the day and miners from several rescue teams were called from their shifts and told to gather their gear. They were being sent to Oven Fork in hopes of

The conflict in Iran, which has now spread across much of the Middle East, is roiling energy markets.

How Changing Coal Trade Routes Are Reshaping Energy Markets

Kentucky industries including distilleries are looking at capturing their carbon dioxide emissions. One way to store the emissions is by injecting them into underground wells.

As Utah again debates coal, grid stability, energy security and the strain growth places on infrastructure, the Crandall record feels less like history than it should.

Seaborne coking coal prices tumbled last week as the Middle East conflict weighed on market sentiment, while rising supply and weakening demand added further pressure.

Amid growing concerns over energy security in Europe resulting from the war on Iran, coal is gradually resurfacing as an alternative for power generation.

India is considering issuing its emergency coal import directive to imported coal-based power plants to boost generation and to plan fuel procurement to meet peak summer demand, at a time of elevated seaborne prices owing to the US-Iran conflict.

The US unexpectedly lost 92,000 jobs in February while revisions pulled December data into negative territory, evidence the labor market continues to weaken amid policy uncertainty and geopolitical strife.

The Illinois Mining Institute (IMI) has scheduled its 2026 Annual Meeting for Wednesday, June 24th, and we would like to extend our appreciation to everyone who participated in last year’s event.

A message from Brandon Neal, Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety.

The West Virginia Senate passed a bill overwhelmingly Friday to encourage coal-fired power plants to produce more electricity, but some senators were concerned the bill could fall back on electric ratepayers to cover the possible increased costs.

Alliance Resource Partners, L.P. has added a new financial report to its website.

Peabody Energy Corporation (NYSE:BTU) is one of the best coal mining stocks to buy right now.

Warrior Met Coal, Inc. (NYSE:HCC) is one of the best coal mining stocks to buy right now.

Jefferies has released its latest rankings for the coal mining sector, highlighting two companies as leading investment opportunities in the industry.

Advocacy groups are pushing back against the approval of an underground coal mine near Roundup after a truncated environmental review.

Brattice ventilation curtains are an essential method of controlling airflow in underground tunnels and have been in use since the 1800s.

We updated our Day-Ahead Power Price and Volume Reports for select ICE (Intercontinental Exchange) hubs through March 3, 2026.

Last year, the Trump administration’s Department of Government Efficiency sought to close more than 30 mine safety offices around the country and Pineville was one of them.

Last year, the Trump administration’s Department of Government Efficiency sought to close more than 30 mine safety offices around the country and Pineville was one of them.

A featured look at several distinguished speakers appearing at the West Virginia Coal Symposium.

Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey signed SB155, also called The Renewing Coal-Impacted Communities Act, into law Tuesday. The act outlines how coal mining royalties, which will come from the Blue Creek Mine, will be allocated.

NIOSH’s Mobile Occupational Safety and Health Unit will be in your area soon to conduct black lung screenings. All coal miners are encouraged to stop by the mobile and participate in this free health exam.

On Wednesday, several of the Association’s priority bills were passed by their chambers of origination, clearing a legislative deadline. Bills had to be passed by their chamber of introduction yesterday to “survive” crossover day.

Carroll Technologies has launched a campaign to reduce the death toll from non-roadway collisions at US mines, construction and other industrial sites.

We published our Weekly Coal Production report for the week ending February 28, 2026. This report is an overview of weekly U.S. coal production by region.

The Environmental Protection Agency recently finalized the repeal of a 2024 regulation that one North Dakota official had called a “death penalty” to the state’s lignite coal industry.

Delegates passed a bill incrementally lowering metallurgical coal severance taxes.

The United Mine Worker of America held its 63rd annual memorial service remembering the Robena Mine Disaster on Saturday, December 6, 2025, near Carmichaels, Pennsylvania.

Two House Democrats aren’t satisfied with the Department of Labor’s answers to their questions about whether the agency is enforcing the Black Lung Self-Insurance Rule for coal mine operators.

In a scenario marked by geopolitical tensions and an accelerating demand for strategic minerals driven by global electrification, the mining industry faces mounting pressure to shorten development timelines.

The Weekly Production / Consumption Report: Week 8 (Feb. 21) has been posted.

Net loss of $3.8 million compared with net income of $7.6 million in 2024.

America’s continued economic and technological leadership depends on reliable, large-scale data center infrastructure built here at home.

Oak Ridge National Laboratory has announced it is working to transform abandoned coal mines to ensure access to safe and reliable energy.

Italy's energy minister said on Wednesday he could restart some coal-fired power stations if the conflict in the Middle East were to provoke an energy crisis, adding that the country was for the moment "quite safe".

BHP Billiton Mitsubishi Alliance Pty. Ltd. has warned workers in Queensland, Australia, that high royalties have rendered its metallurgical coal operations uncompetitive.

The conflict in Iran, which has now spread across much of the Middle East, is roiling energy markets.

Global manufacturing input costs rose in February at the sharpest rate since 2022 as supply chain bottlenecks added to upward pressure on prices from higher labour costs and US tariffs.

Today, March 4, 2026, marks the 50th day of the 2026 Regular Legislative Session.

Last year, the Trump administration’s Department of Government Efficiency sought to close more than 30 mine safety offices around the country and Pineville was one of them.

Prinoth, a global leader in crawler carriers, has announced the official introduction of its new flagship Panther T23r, the industry’s largest and most technologically advanced rotating crawler carrier.

The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Science has announced it is now accepting applications for the 2026 DOE Office of Science Early Career Research Program.

Factors from rising natural gas prices to the explosion of data centers across the country are responsible for breathing life back into the sputtering coal industry.

Washington’s attorney general says DOE missed deadlines and withheld records tied DOE’s decision to keep a Centralia coal plant running.

U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum and Montana Rep. Ryan Zinke are touting tariffs as the solution to bringing back Montana mining.

Researchers have shown that metallurgical coal can reduce concrete density by nearly 25 % while maintaining structural performance at optimized replacement levels, offering a practical and cost-effective route to lighter, more sustainable construction.

Fernando Rivera, a member of the proEXPLO 2026 Technical Committee, notes that regulatory certainty and technology are key to accelerating new discoveries in the region.

If you're heading to Leadville for the 78th Annual Ski Joring on March 7th & 8th, 2026, make time to explore one of Colorado's most unique cultural treasures: the National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum, right in the heart of town at 120 West 9th Street.

WVCA has applauded the WV Senate for its overwhelming 32–2 floor vote in favor of House Bill 4026 — the West Virginia First Energy Act, and praised the House Finance Committee for advancing legislation reducing the severance tax burden on metallurgical co

This funding will bring together world-class teams of scientists from universities, DOE National Laboratories, and other institutions to perform fundamental research in materials sciences, chemistry, geosciences, and biosciences.

Freeze-thaw cycles rapidly change ground and workplace conditions, creating hazards for miners.

We have added a pre-symposium workshop teaching AMD-TREAT software at 2026 West Virginia Mine Drainage Task Force Symposium, May 4-6, 2026 .

As the Appalachian coal sector evolves, your hands-on experience and industry expertise are more valuable than ever.

India is rapidly expanding steel production and is seeking secure, long-term supplies of high-quality coking coal from reliable partners, with Canadian reserves already attracting significant interest from Indian steel and mining enterprises.

The conflict in Iran has upended the global market for oil and natural gas. It is also having a big impact on coal markets, even though coal isn’t in the direct line of fire.

The Preliminary Symposium Program has been released.

Power-station coal prices jumped the most in three years as an unprecedented shutdown of Qatar’s liquefied natural gas plant raised the needs for fuel-switching in the electricity sector.

Shawn Whitman is a senior government executive serving at the U.S. Department of Energy, where he acts as the operational lead for the Under Secretary Office for Science.

Cumberland is testing whether its abandoned coal mines can become a town-wide geothermal network that supports redevelopment, economic growth, and lower emissions.

India's coal supply challenges in the mining sector stand at a critical juncture where domestic production capabilities must align with surging energy demands across the subcontinent.

We updated our Coal Markets Report for the business week ending February 27, 2026.

The West Virginia Senate passed a bill overwhelmingly Friday to encourage coal-fired power plants to produce more electricity, but some senators were concerned the bill could fall back on electric ratepayers to cover the possible increased costs.

Alabama Power, the largest utility in the state, will spend $259 million on its coal ash in 2026, according to records from the Alabama Public Service Commission.

Vanguard Group will pay $29.5 million and bolster its passive investing approach in order to settle a suit by 13 Republican state attorneys general claiming the fund manager and rivals violated antitrust law through their climate activism.

For much of the twentieth century, industrial manufacturing in the United States was shaped by regional foundries, family-owned operations, and equipment manufacturers whose products evolved through constant exposure to real-world use.

Astec Industries, Inc. is preparing to unveil its most expansive lineup of aggregate and material processing equipment to date at CONEXPO?CON/AGG 2026, March 3–7 in Las Vegas.

Delegates bopped a last-second bill incrementally lowering metallurgical coal severance taxes to the House floor.

Welcome to a new Powered Haulage episode of Think About This, created for you by CORESafety TV and the National Mining Association (NMA).

On February 26, 2026, Mr. Atkins exercised options received in connection with the original Ramaco Resources public offering in 2017 to acquire shares of both Ramaco Resources Class A and Class B shares.

Competing at the 2026 North American University Mine Rescue Competition held Feb. 16–21 in Sudbury, Ontario, Canada, WVU finished just behind overall champion Laurentian University Mine Rescue, with Colorado School of Mines placing third.

Eriez® will present integrated tramp metal control and feeding systems at CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026, demonstrating how aggregates producers can safeguard critical assets, reduce unplanned downtime, and maintain reliable, high-volume production.

Cavitation, with the potential to undermine both performance and equipment life, is a persistent challenge in pump system design.

US utilities are boosting five-year spending plans to record heights to chase an unprecedented wave of data-center driven electricity demand.

The United States stepped up pressure on the International Energy Agency on Thursday to drop net zero from its agenda, giving it a year to do so or risk Washington exiting the organization.

We came across a bullish thesis on Warrior Met Coal, Inc. on Common Sense Capital’s Substack.

Two days of climate science and energy realism.

Hitachi Construction Machinery Co just unveiled an update.

At a meeting dedicated to the development of the Surkhandarya region, the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, announced the intention of Chinese investors to allocate 1 billion dollars for the exploration of coal reserves in the region.