Alpha Natural Resources announced plans to open a new metallurgical coal mine in West Virginia as early as next month.
According to media reports, the Tennessee-based coal producer said the Panther Eagle Mine at subsidiary Marfork Coal is expected to begin extracting metallurgical coal in July. Alpha Natural Resources Vice President of Operations Charlie Bearse said improving market conditions have created more demand for the type of coal used for steel manufacturing.
The new mine is following a recent trend of openings; last year, Ramaco Development announced plans for two metallurgical coal mines in West Virginia and Virginia, and Warrior Met Coal is opening a mine in Alabama formerly owned by bankrupt Walter Energy.