WASHINGTON — U.S. Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke released a statement Monday remarking his approval of the “initial construction” of the Berwind coal property.
According to a Department of the Interior statement, the site’s developers, Ramaco Resources, expect the McDowell County mine to create 50 “good-paying” jobs and employ around 200 coal miners when operations reach the projected production level. The Berwind Mine will produce 800,000 tons of coal a year and create jobs near the West Virginia-Virginia border.
The department previously approved wildlife conservation plans on the private land to protect two crayfish species. The West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection also had a role in the action.
“Under President Trump’s leadership, the Department of the Interior is dedicated to being a good partner with local communities,” Zinke said. “This administration is dedicated to streamlining permitting and approval processes, and empowering local employees to get work done on the front lines. The Berwind Mine is the first of many projects that demonstrate the Trump Administration’s commitment to coal country and to good government.”
Ramaco Resources has previously said the Berwind Coal Reserve is estimated to contain around 72 million tons of metallurgical coal, which is used in the steelmaking process.