It is our intent to keep you and your colleagues abreast of pertinent developments within the coal industry on a frequent basis. 

Accordingly, Coal Forum Headlines is a compilation of daily articles and stories about coal from around the region and the world. Upon reviewing this news stream, if you have suggestions to improve it or make it more useful please let us know.  And lastly, please share this with your colleagues and if they have an interest simply have them visit here to receive future editions directly.

West Virginia wins challenge to New York law targeting energy producers
WV MetroNews
West Virginia Attorney General J.B. McCuskey says the state prevailed in its challenge to a New York law that could have imposed substantial costs on coal, natural-gas and other energy producers. The outcome has national implications for state efforts to assign climate-related liabilities.

MSHA issues seasonal ground-fall safety alert
Mine Safety and Health Administration
The Mine Safety and Health Administration has issued a seasonal alert reminding operators and miners about elevated ground-fall hazards. The guidance emphasizes examinations, proper support and heightened awareness as changing conditions affect mine roofs and ribs.

Rail forecast points to a fourth-quarter increase in coal volumes
FreightWaves
A rail-freight forecast anticipates a notable increase in coal volumes during the fourth quarter. The outlook examines shipment trends and what stronger coal traffic could mean for rail networks, producers and power-sector customers.

Commentary argues the United States cannot afford to leave coal behind
The Washington Times
A new opinion piece argues that coal’s on-site fuel inventories and dispatchable generation remain valuable during winter storms and other periods when electricity supplies tighten. The commentary calls for federal energy policy to preserve dependable coal capacity.

More than 330,000 Illinois homes face risks from abandoned mines
FOX 2 St. Louis
More than 330,000 Illinois homes are reported to sit above abandoned mine workings, creating continuing subsidence and property risks. The report highlights the scale of the state’s underground mining legacy and the challenges of mapping and addressing old workings.

China’s coking-coal prices post a record monthly surge
OilPrice.com
Chinese coking-coal futures were on track for a record 46% monthly increase in August as mine-safety inspections and supply disruptions tightened the market. The move underscores renewed volatility in a key global metallurgical-coal benchmark.

Study links Sasol’s Secunda coal-to-liquids plant to major health costs
Moneyweb
A forthcoming study estimates substantial health effects associated with emissions from Sasol’s Secunda coal-to-liquids complex in South Africa. The findings are expected to intensify debate over environmental controls, public health and the facility’s long-term operating strategy.