ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Friday, October 25, 1996 TAG: 9610250063
SECTION: BUSINESS PAGE: B-6 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: GREG EDWARDS
Pittston Coal Co. said recently it will reopen its McClure River coal-cleaning plant in Dickenson County and begin operating three new mines elsewhere in Southwest Virginia.
When the mines are in full operation next year, they will produce 1 million tons annually of high-quality coal used to make steel and will employ 230 management and production workers.
Karl Kindig, president of Pittston Coal, said that opening the mines will help Pittston remain a key player in world markets for metallurgical coal.
Unprecedented cooperation among Pittston, its employees and the state of Virginia enabled Pittston to invest in the new operations, he said.
Based on current reserve estimates, the mines will have a life span of six to eight years, Pittston said.
Pittston's Sea "B" Mining Co. plans to begin production at a deep mine near Jewell Ridge in Tazewell County in January. Also that month, Pittston's Paramont Coal Co. will open a deep mine near Clintwood in Dickenson County.
Another deep mine located north of Haysi in Dickenson County will open in March. The McClure coal plant will open in January.
The annual payroll of the plant and new mines will be $10 million. The facilities will also generate $2 million yearly in various taxes, Pittston said.
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