First Communion Saint John's Pictured Above

Beltline

Dedication

Governor Manchin presents Mrs. Mercedes Shoemaker with memento from Shoemaker Mine.

Dedication ceremonies for the conveyor belt, part of the $200 million renovation project at Shoemaker Mine in Benwood took place October 20th, 2010. The project included replacing the underground rail hauling system and belt overland hauling line with the latest amazing technology.

The Shoemaker Mine's future has not always been bright. But Consol's decision to spend an enormous amount of money at the facility should allow it to continue operating for another 17 years.

The ceremony attracted West Virginia Sen. Jeff Kessler, D-Marshall, and Gov. Joe Manchin, who told the crowd projects such as that at the Shoemaker Mine are examples of how the state can help lead by example.

"For the last 100 years, West Virginia has provided the energy to make this country run," he said. "Our way of life has built this nation, and it will continue to serve as an example for the rest of the country."

More than 500 people work at the mine, where employment at one point dipped below 100. Clearly, Shoemaker is extremely important to the local economy. Each mining job supports several others in related industries and elsewhere in the area.

"I can't tell you how many times in my 30 years this mine has been on the verge of closing," said Cecil Roberts, president of the United Mine Workers of America. "The perseverance of the workers and management did not let that happen."

"There are 23-year-olds working in the mine right now that will be able to work near retirement here," Roberts said. "This mine has an extremely bright future, and together we are going to help bring this country back."

During the dedication ceremony, Benwood Mayor Edward Kuca told a gathering of workers and company officials of his experience with the Shoemaker Mine, as in 1965 the company purchased the land around his home to begin operations.

"I have been involved in this project ever since," he said. "It has helped to provide good jobs to our community, and we are all very fortunate for that."

Miners at Shoemaker, Consol Energy, the surrounding community and the state have worked hard to make the mine a long-term success.

Local Union Coal Miner Bill Applegarth

Local Officials Enjoy Dedication Dinner and Speeches

Click on pictures to view larger versions

If you would like to see a video of the project we just completed click on this link  http://www.consolenergy.com/

Then click on the red lettering as shown below.

Link to Consol Energy, Inc.

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