Charleston, W.Va. – The West Virginia Coal Forum, an organization representing coal industry workers and mine management, applauds Governor Jim Justice for his remarks in the annual State of the State Address focusing on initiatives to sustain and grow state coal utilization, representatives announced. 

“Governor Justice is right on target in calling on researchers and companies to look for new and innovative uses for West Virginia coal, like what’s being done at Ramaco Carbon,” said Chris Hamilton, Co-Chairman of the West Virginia Coal Forum and Senior Vice President of the West Virginia Coal Association. “It’s a no-brainer to use the world class and plentiful coal reserves we have in West Virginia to develop new and environmentally friendly process to create higher-value products and materials.”

During the State of the State Address Governor Justice announced an agreement with Wyoming-based carbon technology company Ramaco Carbon to open a new research facility in West Virginia to pursue research related to the use of coal as the precursor for advanced carbon products and materials.

Fred Tucker, Co-Chairman of the West Virginia Coal Forum and a member of the United Mine Workers of America, said, “The Governor understands the need to sustain and grow coal use in West Virginia to keep our miners working and to improve our economy.”

For additional information, contact Chris Hamilton at (304) 342-4153.