04/25/2026
A new coal operation is taking shape in Wyoming County, bringing fresh activity to a region that has seen years of decline.
As reported by local news outlet WVVA, Clinch Resources has launched work at its Lanes Branch surface mine, with production expected to begin within weeks. The goal: shipping coal by May and ramp up output quickly.
Hiring is already underway.
The first shift is in place, while recruitment continues for additional crews. Company officials say employment could reach more than 100 jobs when factoring in trucking, preparation plants, and support roles tied to the operation.
The project is centered on mid-vol metallurgical coal.
That type of coal is used in steelmaking, particularly in blast furnaces and specialty applications. Its recent inclusion on the U.S. critical minerals list has added new attention, opening potential pathways for investment and long-term demand.
Expansion is already being considered.
Plans include deploying a highwall miner, which would allow access to additional reserves and increase output without transitioning fully underground.
For Wyoming County, it matters more than people realize.
The area has faced repeated layoffs and shrinking coal employment in recent years. A new operation doesn’t reverse that trend overnight, but it does signal that metallurgical coal still holds value in select markets.
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