coal mine Archives | Appalachian Voices

Transforming a former mine into a healthy forest

By Jared Ring | May 21, 2026 |

Appalachian Voices acquired Quarry Drive, a 193-acre former coal mine site to restore a healthy native hardwood forest that supports local wildlife, steward the land and explore ways to fund mineland restoration at a larger scale.

Pike County Rejects Mega Landfill After Public Uproar

By Rance Garrison | May 8, 2026 |

Seventh-generation Pike County resident and SOLVE steering committee member Larry Thacker and his wife, Sharon, at their home in Pompey.

Many residents of Pike County, Kentucky, are breathing a sigh of relief since county commissioners finalized their decision to rescind a contract with an out-of-state waste management company.

Less Support for Communities with Mine Problems

By Dan Radmacher | May 8, 2026 |

The Trump administration issued a regulation to weaken the Ten Day Notice process that helps community members call in federal enforcement when state regulators don’t do a good job policing environmental problems at coal mines

Appalachian Voices statement on White House coal actions

By Dan Radmacher | February 12, 2026 |

President Donald Trump ordered a series of actions this week intended to prop up America’s declining coal industry. Trump announced that the Department of Energy will pay electric utilities $175 million for upgrades to aging coal plants in Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio and West Virginia. Trump also ordered the Pentagon to buy more coal-generated power, though did not specify where such power might be purchased.

Coal company owned by Sen. Jim Justice releases financial statement contradicting its previous sworn testimony

By Dan Radmacher | February 12, 2026 |

A recent financial disclosure by A&G Coal Company asserts that the company has substantial positive net assets, contradicting the recent sworn testimony of its general counsel asserting that it was over $9 million in debt and therefore unable to comply with its obligations under a court-approved 2023 settlement agreement.

Bankrupt coal company cited for releasing ‘sludge’ into West Virginia’s Gauley River watershed

By Dan Radmacher | April 1, 2025 |

This stretch of the South Fork of Cherry River is surrounded by South Fork Coal Company's surface mining operations. The brown hue to the water is caused by elevated sediment in the river. Photo by Willie Dodson

The West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection issued its latest notice of violation against South Fork Coal Company, the bankrupt mining firm operating a 3,600-acre surface mining complex in Greenbrier County, West Virginia, on March 24. The citation was issued for “iron staining and sludge deposits” in Becky Run caused by the company’s Lost Flats #2 Surface Mine.

Coal company with 80+ clean water violations files for bankruptcy

By Dan Radmacher | February 18, 2025 |

Aerial view of South Fork Coal Company mine

South Fork Coal Company and its parent entities Xinergy and White Forest Resources, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in Delaware. The move follows the company’s well-documented pattern of water pollution and mine clean-up violations, which have drawn mounting public scrutiny and legal actions.

Proposed Mine Causes Concern in Birmingham

By Hannah Gillespie | April 8, 2019 |

A water utility and a local conservation group in Birmingham, Ala., are fighting against a proposed strip mine 5.5 miles upstream of the city’s primary drinking water intakes.

Community resists proposed strip mine in Ohio State Forest

By Willie Dodson | February 18, 2019 |

scenic photo of lake contrasted with coal mine photo

The grassroots group Friends of Perry State Forest formed to fight a proposed 550-acre strip mine in Southeast Ohio’s Perry State Forest. A key public meeting is set for Feb. 26.