Coal
CONSOL Energy
By Erica Fisher , Vice President of Human Resources and Communications for CONSOL Energy
US Methanol
By Angela Hyre , Human Resources Manager and Community Relations for US Methanol
Methanol plays a major role in the chemical and petrochemicals industry and is used as feedstock in many everyday use products . The first methanol manufacturing facility in West Virginia , US Methanol completed the construction phase of its plant in August 2022 and has since been operating and supplying its customers with pure methanol that is made reliably , safely and at a competitive price . Within six months of operations , US Methanol managed to safely bring the facility to nearly full capacity , with every gallon of methanol meeting quality specifications . The plant is within overnight trucking distance of half of the U . S . population and has access to extensive water , rail and highway systems , making cargo delivery easy and affordable .
The abundance of shale gas in the region , proximity to customers , quality workforce talent and support for industry by the government and community are all reasons international investment group KKCG chose to invest in West Virginia for the location of US Methanol . With 53 employees currently on staff , the company is actively recruiting for its remaining vacant positions . US Methanol ’ s top commitment to its employees and the community is to ensure operating excellence and embrace the highest standards of safety .
US Methanol is very happy to be a West Virginia business . The investment was substantial , and it looks forward to being an employer of choice and a strong contributor to good jobs in the state . The company is considering multiple options to increase its capacity and grow its business in West Virginia .
Having commissioned its new Itmann Preparation Plant in Wyoming County in fall 2022 , CONSOL Energy is now focused on ramping up the Itmann Mining Complex , which includes nearby Itmann No . 5 Mine , to full production . The complex is expected to ultimately produce about 900,000 tons per year of low-volatile metallurgical coal , has enough reserves to enable over 25 years of operation and possesses the excess plant capacity to process metallurgical coals from the surrounding region as well .
“ We are very excited about the opportunity that Itmann presents for both CONSOL and West Virginia ,” says CEO Jimmy Brock . “ This approximately $ 100 million investment represents a key step in CONSOL ’ s growth as we seek to diversify our business outside of traditional coal-fired power generation markets . We believe Itmann will supply domestic and international steel markets with a critically needed , high-quality resource for many years to come , and we are enthusiastic about the benefits this project brings to Southern West Virginia , including the creation of about 175 high-paying career opportunities .”
CONSOL mined its first coal from Itmann No . 5 Mine in April 2020 and shipped its first train from the preparation plant in October 2022 . Itmann is expected to reach full run-rate production later this year .
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WEST VIRGINIA EXECUTIVE