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 challenges tightened EPA soot rule over costs and health claims
Charleston Gazette-Mail
West Virginia is challenging the EPA’s tightened particulate-matter standard, arguing that it could impose heavy costs on industry. West Virginia Coal Association President Chris Hamilton called the finalized rule “very troubling,” while public-health advocates point to the state’s elevated respiratory-disease burden.

West Virginia and Virginia officials discuss Coalfields Expressway progress
The Register-Herald
Transportation officials from West Virginia and Virginia met to discuss advancing the Coalfields Expressway across both states. The talks included potential coal-synergy agreements that could support construction while improving access through the region.

Battle of Blair Mountain anniversary renews work to preserve Mine Wars history
West Virginia Public Broadcasting
The 105th anniversary of the Battle of Blair Mountain is renewing attention to West Virginia’s Mine Wars. The West Virginia Mine Wars Museum is developing a project to memorialize the 50-mile march of coal miners from Marmet to Blair in 1921.

Ohio company pleads guilty in coal worker death case
U.S. Department of Justice
An Ohio company has pleaded guilty in a federal case involving a worker’s death and an underground mine fire. The prosecution involved Mine Safety and Health Administration requirements and reinforces the legal consequences of failures that endanger miners.

New report examines second-quarter U.S. coal production
The Coal Trader
A new industry analysis reviews U.S. coal production during the second quarter of 2026. The report provides a current view of output trends and the operating conditions shaping producers across major coal basins.

India’s number of power plants with critically low coal stocks rises to 58
Business Standard
The number of Indian thermal power plants reporting critical coal inventories has increased to 58. Industry experts say the situation does not yet constitute a supply crisis because Coal India continues to hold record-high stocks at mine sites.

NMDC plans commercial coal production and one million tonnes of sales
ET Manufacturing
India’s NMDC plans to begin commercial coal production next quarter and is targeting one million tonnes of sales during fiscal 2027. The move expands the state-owned miner’s presence beyond its established iron-ore business.

Indonesia expands coal logistics with new train-loading infrastructure
Shanghai Metals Market
Indonesian construction company WIKA is participating in PT Bukit Asam’s expansion of coal logistics through new train-loading stations. The infrastructure is intended to increase transportation capacity and support higher mine-to-market volumes.

China’s benchmark thermal-coal price breaks 900 yuan per tonne
Mysteel
China’s benchmark thermal-coal price rose above 900 yuan per tonne during the week of August 31 through September 4. The move extends the market’s recent rally and signals tighter near-term pricing conditions.

China’s raw-coal output drops sharply as energy transition accelerates
Bastille Post
China’s raw-coal production fell sharply in July as the country’s energy transition and supply controls reshaped output. Officials are also preparing structural changes for the coal industry during the 2026–2030 five-year planning period.

Australian councilor raises climate concerns over Helensburgh coal-mine expansion
The Illawarra Flame
A local councilor is raising climate concerns as a Helensburgh coal mine outlines plans for a significant expansion. The proposal is prompting debate over future production, regional employment and the emissions implications of extending mining operations.