WAYNESBURG, Pa., April 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Iron Senergy (“Iron”), the owner and operator of the Cumberland Mine located in Greene County, Pennsylvania, recognizes Senator Robert P. Casey’s concern for the Pennsylvania coal industry and its workforce. Through his recent press releases, Senator Casey has made it clear that the continued operation of coal-producing assets, like the Cumberland Mine, is in the “best interest of our nation.” Iron could not agree more and believes it is important for politicians like Senator Casey to bring attention to coal’s critical role in our national security, the reliability of our electrical grid, and lifting large portions of the world’s population out of energy poverty.
Unfortunately, the issues of coal production and coal-fired electrical generation have long been the focus of partisan politics and discourse, often at the expense of communities like Greene County, Pennsylvania. Senator Casey has made it clear that he will fight for the miners, families and economy of Greene County. We need strong voices in Washington that dare to reach across the aisle and fight back against the regulatory regime that continues to challenge the ability of coal producers and coal-fired utilities to do business, including without limitation, the EPA’s Ozone Transport Rule, Effluent Limitations Guidelines, and especially the Carbon Rule / Clean Power Plan 2.0.
Justin Thompson, Iron’s owner and Chief Executive Officer, issued the following statement:
“I appreciate Senator’s Casey’s acknowledgement of the importance of the coal industry. Over the past ten years, however, Pennsylvania has lost half of its coal mining jobs. For that reason, I am inviting Senator Casey to visit our operations as soon as it can be arranged to discuss his support of the Cumberland Mine, which as Senator Casey notes, has been a large employer in Greene County since the 1970s. I am proud that Iron acquired the Cumberland Mine three years ago and deployed over $130 million in capital to extend the life of the mine and save over 700 jobs that would have been eliminated based on the closure plan of the previous owner. Senator Casey speaks of the need for coal miners to be certain about their future. So long as Iron continues to own the Cumberland Mine and can operate it safely and compliantly to serve a performing market, Iron stands ready to fight for the certainty of the coal industry.
Countless wars rage around the world over the control of energy assets. We are blessed in the United States, particularly the Appalachian region, with abundant natural resources. Iron and other fossil fuel companies are willing to do the hard work required to harvest those resources safely and productively and to continue serving as the economic cornerstones of our communities. However, we need a regulatory environment that supports us rather than hinders us, as the greatest threat to the continued operation of coal assets like the Cumberland Mine is bad federal and state policies, which are forcing the premature retirement of coal-fired power plants and causing the loss of jobs like those supported by the Cumberland Mine. I look forward to meeting and working with Senator Casey and other officials to promote sensible “all of the above” energy policies that provide a future for the coal industry, protect Pennsylvania jobs and keep the lights on throughout the Commonwealth.
Energy demand is growing exponentially both here and abroad. Rhetoric is now meeting reality as grid operators and energy officials are warning that our electricity supply is becoming unreliable and, as a result, large parts of the country face the risk of rolling blackouts. The U.S. electrical grid has failed five times in the past eleven years due to winter storms alone. Now is the time to act before it is too late. We need to face the coal hard truth.”
[Via Railway Age, William C. Vantuono, Editor-in-Chief]
Intramotev, a technology start-up building autonomous zero-emissions railcars and locomotives, in June 2023 finalized an agreement to provide Iron Senergy with three ReVolt battery-electric (BE) retrofitted hopper cars for use on its 17-mile private rail line that transports coal produced by its Cumberland Coal Mine to its Alicia Harbor facility on the Monogahela River in Waynesburg, Pa. On April 3, the company reported that it successfully deployed the first unit, which has accumulated 1,000 miles in revenue service as part of a traditional unit coal train, capturing propulsion energy from a lead diesel-electric locomotive’s regenerative braking, thereby reducing diesel fuel consumption.
This ReVolt application, which Intramotev describes as the first of its type in the world, is “a major step forward for sustainable freight transportation,” CEO Tim Luchini noted. “We’re excited to deliver the fuel savings and environmental benefits of the ReVolt to our customer Iron Senergy. This news marks an important milestone in our work to decarbonize mining and freight transportation, and we’re just getting started.”
“We’re thrilled to have partnered with Intramotev to deploy their forward-thinking technology,” Iron Senergy CEO and owner Justin Thompson said. We’re always searching for ways to double down on our commitment to innovation and sustainability, and this partnership helps accomplish that in a big way.”
Intramotev said it “continues to build momentum with customer deployments in the mining sector.” Later this year, the company will deploy its locomotive replacement, known as the TugVolt, at a calcium mine in Northern Michigan. TugVolts, supplied as a “proprietary kit that can retrofit/upfit existing railcars to become battery-electric,” can uncouple from the consist to independently provide first- and last-mile service,” and “enables freight to move with the flexibility of a truck, without breaking the existing model of rail operations.” The company at FreightWeekSTL 2023 in May 2023 reported on the commercial launch progress of the TugVolt.
Iron Senergy (“Iron”), the owner and operator of the Cumberland Mine located in Greene County, Pennsylvania, is aware that members of the international and local leadership of the United Mine Workers of America (“UMWA”) have issued press releases and commissioned news articles indicating that the Cumberland Mine is permanently closing. These reports are false.
Prior to Iron’s acquisition of the Cumberland Mine from Contura Energy, the Cumberland Mine was set to be permanently closed in December 2022. In the last three (3) years, however, Iron and its owner Justin Thompson have deployed over $130 million in capital to extend the life of, and invest in the future success of, the Cumberland Mine. In addition, Iron has significantly reclaimed and repurposed the former Emerald Mine (which was closed in 2015), rebranding it as the “Greene Energy Center”, which now hosts a number of industrial applications, including a new frac-sand transloading facility, all of which have created jobs and tax dollars and benefited the local economy.
Along the way, Iron has added over 100 full-time employees at the Cumberland Mine and donated over $3 million to over 150 local community organizations. Any suggestion by the UMWA in its public statements that Iron has treated its employees unfairly, or that Iron does not understand its importance within the community, is patently false and would be refuted by an overwhelming majority of the workforce at the Cumberland Mine and the citizens of Greene County, Pennsylvania.
Furthermore, any suggestion by the UMWA that Iron is failing to communicate adequately with the UMWA is unfounded. Iron has a well-documented history of meeting regularly with the UMWA to discuss issues and will continue to engage as needed and when reasonably convenient. Iron will not, however, respond to unreasonable demands for in-person meetings, on short notice, ahead of a holiday weekend, when management is traveling and/or spending time with family. Prior to the issuance of the aforementioned UMWA press release, Iron made it clear in written communications to the UMWA that Iron is willing to schedule a meeting in the near future when mutually convenient for the parties.
The workers at the Cumberland Mine were sent home on March 20, 2024 as a result of elevated methane levels detected in the Cumberland Mine. Those workers will be called back to work when Iron determines that the Cumberland Mine can be operated safely and compliantly and when sufficient modes of transportation are made available by Iron’s customers to reduce inventory levels and justify the recommencement of mining activities, which has only been compounded by the recent closure of the Port of Baltimore as a result of the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge. Subject to the foregoing, Iron fully expects to resume production in the coming days as previously planned.
While unfortunate, the public statements issued and commissioned by the UMWA have generated a number of unnecessary rumors and questions about the future of the Cumberland Mine. As evident by Iron’s investment in the Cumberland Mine, its workforce and the community over the past three (3) years, Iron desires to experience the continued operation and success of the Cumberland Mine. However, like every other coal producer in the United States, Iron will continue to evaluate the continued operation of the Cumberland Mine based on a number of relevant factors, including its ability to operate a safe and compliant coal mine, its ability to adequately staff its operations with qualified personnel, and its view on the long-term commitment of its customer base. That type of evaluation commenced in December 2020 when Iron acquired the Cumberland Mine, has occurred each year since then and will continue to occur in 2024 and beyond. The UMWA should not confuse that evaluation, and the related planning activities related thereto, as a decision to permanently close the Cumberland Mine at any particular time.
Iron Senergy is honored to have received the 2023 Reclamation Award from the Pennsylvania Coal Alliance. The recognition for “Best Overall Project” acknowledges Iron Senergy’s outstanding reclamation efforts at the Emerald Mine, a mining operation that has undergone a remarkable transformation under our stewardship.
The Emerald Mine, acquired by Iron Senergy in December 2020, had lain dormant since its closure in 2015, with little attention given to its reclamation. Embarking on a visionary journey, Iron Senergy initiated a comprehensive reclamation and repurposing initiative in September 2021, setting the stage for a remarkable turnaround. A total of 77 structures at the site were meticulously demolished and reclaimed, breathing new life into the landscape.
In a gesture that resonates with the community and underscores our commitment to innovation, Iron Senergy has rebranded the once dormant site as the “Greene Energy Center.” This transformation not only pays homage to Greene County but also signals our dedication to pioneering sustainable and forward-thinking initiatives.
At the heart of our transformative efforts is the establishment of a state-of-the-art frac sand transloading facility, a result of a strategic lease agreement with Smart Sand, Inc. Operations at this facility commenced in January 2022, marking the beginning of a partnership set to transload over 1 million tons of frac sand annually. This not only invigorates the local economy but also opens up new avenues for rail business, benefiting the Norfolk Southern railroad.
Our collaboration with Smart Sand, Inc. aligns seamlessly with Iron Senergy’s commitment to innovation and fostering economic growth. The facility, located at the former Emerald rail loadout, now serves as Smart Sand’s Northeastern hub for last-mile storage and transloading solutions, enhancing efficiency and accessibility for the entire operation.
The vision for the Greene Energy Center extends far beyond sand. Iron Senergy has ambitious plans for the site, including the development of solar energy projects. Multiple interconnection applications have been filed with PJM for utility-scale solar endeavors, showcasing our dedication to creating a hub for diverse and sustainable energy solutions.
The Greene Energy Center is more than a project; it’s a testament to Iron Senergy’s vision for responsible development, economic growth, and environmental stewardship. As operations unfold and new chapters are written, this initiative is set to redefine the landscape, creating a lasting legacy of positive impact for Greene County and beyond. Stay tuned for the unfolding story of progress at the Greene Energy Center.
At Iron Senergy, we are thrilled to announce a significant milestone after nearly a year of dedicated construction efforts, we have successfully energized our ambitious 138 KV Transmission Powerline, marking a monumental achievement for our organization.
This accomplishment is the result of relentless dedication and close to five years of meticulous planning and execution, starting from the initial order of materials back in 2018. The powerline extends our power westward from the existing #6 Bleeder/#11 Shaft site, where West Penn’s transmission lines conclude, to our newly established #9 Bleeder Shaft and Fans. This expansion paved the way for the launch of LW 76.
Currently, the powerline is energized to 25 KV, designed to 138 KV standards for future expansion. Notably, it represents the furthest west 25 KV line in the southwestern portion of Greene County. In contrast, West Penn exclusively provides 12.47 KV (residential power) in this area of the county, making our development a significant step forward in the local power infrastructure and sets us up to continue to further expand our power supply westward as we continue to expand.
A unique feature of this project lies in the sourcing of the powerline poles. We obtained these essential components from a lumber company in New Brighton, Minnesota. Crafted from Douglas Fir, a robust and resilient wood variety, the powerline comprises a total of 109 poles. The largest of these poles is an impressive 105 feet tall Class H4 pole, engineered to withstand a substantial 8,700 lb horizontal load at its apex. This pole is securely installed 12 feet in the ground and boasts a diameter of over 2 feet at its base.
The majority of the poles that form this impressive powerline reach a height of 90 feet. This meticulous selection and installation of materials showcase our unwavering commitment to quality and durability.
The completion of our 138 KV Transmission Powerline is a testament to the dedication, innovation, and vision of Iron Senergy. It signifies our unwavering commitment to expanding our power infrastructure to support our operations, and we are already seeing the positive impact it is having on our organization and the community. Without this powerline we would not be able to mine the longwall district we just started, and we would not be able to expand our underground work any further.
Stay tuned for more updates and exciting developments as we continue to shape the future of energy at Iron Senergy.
Our team recently made the long awaited move of the longwall to panel 76. Formerly operating in the Oak Forest District, panel 76 will be the first panel in the West Greene District. This milestone marks a significant step forward for Cumberland Mine, as the market had formerly expected Cumberland Mine to close at the end of 2022. Rather, the expansion into this new district confirms Iron Senergy’s commitment to our team, partners and the community, emphasizing the longevity of our operation and securing our place in the future of the U.S. energy supply chain.
One major project that directly supported the expansion into the West Greene District was the completion of our #9 bleeder shaft, providing the needed ventilation to the operation. The nearly $10 million project ensured we had the proper ventilation system in place to ensure a safe, healthy and optimal work environment for our miners, as well as to control the air flow within the operation to maintain the optimal performance of the equipment.
This type of achievement is not possible without absolute dedication, daily focus on continuous improvement, willingness to engage all ranks of our team, and the courage to admit failure and seek input regardless of the source. From all of us at Iron Senergy, we would like to commend the combined efforts of our team, showcasing their tenacity, determination and teamwork to achieve this milestone. Job well done – but also know, we are just getting started!
All entries must follow the entry rules to be qualified. Participant (or entrant) must follow Iron Senergy on Facebook, and must like and share Iron Senergy’s monthly post regarding their Impact campaign.
The user’s charity of choice must be local, within 30 miles of Waynesburg, Pennsylvania.* The charity must be a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit charity/organization*.
The charity designated by the monthly winner will be presented with a $500 check from Iron Senergy. The winner may join to present the check, if they choose. Monthly winners will be drawn during the last week of the month. The winner will be contacted through Facebook Messenger, and the charity will be presented the check the week following the drawing. If for any reason the charity chosen by the winner declines the donation, winner will be given the opportunity to choose another. If the winner does not answer the Facebook Message within (72) hours, this will be considered a forfeit of winning and another winner will be chosen.
The charity designated by the yearly winner will be presented with a $5,000 check from Iron Senergy. The winner may join to present the check, if they choose. Yearly winners will be drawn at the end of the year. Monthly winners are also eligible for the yearly contest. The winner will be contacted through Facebook Messenger, and the charity will be presented the check the week following the drawing. If for any reason the charity chosen by the winner declines the donation, winner will be given the opportunity to choose another. If the winner does not answer the Facebook Message within (72) hours, this will be considered a forfeit of winning and another winner will be chosen.
*At Iron Senergy we have a strong drive to help out all charitable organizations, however, our effort in this campaign is to help impact the organizations that are in the same communities from which we operate.
* We are currently unable to make donations to religious or political organizations
Each year, Iron Senergy supports a wide variety of charitable, educational, and civic organizations and events. It’s our goal to be more than a responsible energy company. We also strive to practice active community engagement to help make a positive impact on the communities in which we live and operate.
As part of our continuing effort to be an active member of our local communities, Iron Senergy has put online this form that allows users to submit requests for sponsorships or donations for their charitable organization. If you or someone you know has a non-profit organization or event that is in need of help, we invite you to get in touch with us.
If your need or event is tied to a specific date, we do ask that you submit your request at least 30 days in advance of that date. Please note that submitting a request does not guarantee a donation. Past support of your fundraiser or organization also does not guarantee we will be able to donate again.
For the second consecutive year, Iron Senergy is proud to announce a donation to the Greene County Department of Parks and Recreation.
Portions of the donation will be used for the Greene County Summer Camp, the Waynesburg Water Park, and the Greene County Historical Society and Museum. The donation was recently featured on Greene County’s official website.
“Greene County is always appreciative of our business and industry partners and values their contributions to our communities and county,” said Mike Belding, chairman of the County Board of Commissioners. “Iron Senergy’s donation will make a tangible impact in the community this summer.”
Iron Senergy strives to give back to the communities in which we live and work. If your organization has a need, please fill out the form above and help us be the best neighbors we can be.
The Greene County day camp program for kids had always been available for free, but a budget crisis within the county meant that they were going to have to start charging kids to attend. That’s when Iron Senergy stepped in.
After a public drive to raise money for the day camps fell short, Iron Senergy pledged to cover the remaining deficit. We’re also paying for the swimming portion of the day camp, so that no child has to pay to swim.
According to Jeremy Rafferty, the Land Manager for Cumberland Mine, “Iron Senergy’s Cumberland Mine has been a member of this community for 44 years. We know first-hand how important the Summer Day Camp is to families and kids. When we heard about the possibility of families not being able to afford the fee, we knew we had to act quickly and provide assistance to support this program.”
In addition to the Day Camp donations, Iron Senergy will be funding substantial operational and aesthetic renovations at the Greene County Water Park.
Greene County Commissioner Mike Belding said, “Greene County is fortunate to have industry partners, like Iron Senergy, as we weather the counties financial issues and get back on firmer economic ground. We value their investment in our youth summer program and swimming pool renovations and look forward to continuing a strong, positive relationship between our communities, industry partners and the county.”
We’re grateful for the opportunity to help a local organization and do something to positively impact local children and families.
If you know of another organization in need of a sponsorship or donation, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us here.
