Coal - America's Fuel of Choice.

Coal - America's fuel of choice...West Virginia Coal Association President Bill Raney addressed the group during a meeting held on December 10th at the Logan Campus of Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College. Board members visited the college's new 55,000 square foot Allied Health and Technology Center and learned more about the Academy for Mine Training and Energy Technologies.

Director Carl Baisden Jr. demonstrated the academy's wireless capabilities provided by Task Force One, a mobile communications unit designed to support mine rescue teams. Representatives from 30 states and three foreign countries have visited Southern's mining academy to see for themselves how future coal mine employees are trained. Over 5,000 students in the mining, gas and oil industries, have received hands-on, simulator training since the academy opened its doors in the fall of 2006. Baisden said the virtual training provided at the academy helps to build confidence by placing students in work related situations. Raney said he was pleased to bring the coal association members to Logan since it is centrally located among the coal and energy related businesses in southern West Virginia.