Officials Discuss Mine Safety At Annual Coal Symposium
By: Ciara Brown
Updated: March 7, 2013
CHARLESTON, WV- West Virginia leaders joined with energy experts on Thursday to talk with representatives of the state's coal industry during the 40th annual Coal Symposium.
The event gave industry officials and government leaders a chance to come together and discuss current economic trends; like mine safety, health and environmental issues.
"I think at all times when you're working on a mine site, whether it's underground or surface mines, we always need to be cognizant of the fact that it's dangerous there," says West Virginia Governor, Early Ray Tomblin. "You got to be on top of your game, you got to be always looking to make sure, that you know, an accident could happen at any time."
Governor Tomblin discussed his concerns at the meeting, and stressed how important coal exports are to the state's economy.
"Coal exports continue to increase in West Virginia, and in the last year alone they increased by over 40 percent. And that's about $2.1 billion added to our economy in West Virginia, so its so important important that we continue to have these exports," says Governor Tomblin.
Participants say addressing these critical policies and issues helps put the industry in a better position for the future.
Industry members were also recognized for their safety and environmental efforts at the symposium.
The event gave industry officials and government leaders a chance to come together and discuss current economic trends; like mine safety, health and environmental issues.
"I think at all times when you're working on a mine site, whether it's underground or surface mines, we always need to be cognizant of the fact that it's dangerous there," says West Virginia Governor, Early Ray Tomblin. "You got to be on top of your game, you got to be always looking to make sure, that you know, an accident could happen at any time."
Governor Tomblin discussed his concerns at the meeting, and stressed how important coal exports are to the state's economy.
"Coal exports continue to increase in West Virginia, and in the last year alone they increased by over 40 percent. And that's about $2.1 billion added to our economy in West Virginia, so its so important important that we continue to have these exports," says Governor Tomblin.
Participants say addressing these critical policies and issues helps put the industry in a better position for the future.
Industry members were also recognized for their safety and environmental efforts at the symposium.
