Published: March 19, 2026 |

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The West Virginia Coal Hall of Fame, a joint initiative between the West Virginia Coal Mining Institute and the West Virginia Coal Association and housed at the WVU Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources in Morgantown, will induct its newest class of honorees during a ceremony scheduled for March 31, 2026. The event will be held at the Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center in Charleston.

This year’s honorees include:
• Charles Bearse, president and CEO, Blackhawk Mining
• Michael Day, CEO, Eagle Summit Resources
• Robert Moore, president and CEO, American Consolidated Natural
  Resources
• Gary Hartsog, president, Alpha Engineering Services
• Keith Hainer, president, Matrix Design Group
• Bill Reid, founder,CEO, President, CoalZoom.

This is the 28th class of inductees for the West Virginia Coal Hall of Fame, which began in 1998.

“These individuals are mining industry trailblazers who have led industry-wide innovations and advancements in coal mine extractive techniques, mine safety programs, land restoration and philanthropy over the course of their long careers. They have had an incredibly positive impact on the coal industry and the state of West Virginia and are absolutely deserving of this honor,” said Chris Hamilton, president of the West Virginia Coal Association.

“Additionally, these individuals have tirelessly served the state of West Virginia and their contributions to the modern coal mining industry have been recognized, not only on a national, but also an international level. Their hard work and dedication for the continuous improvement of the coal mining industry have been exemplary and their induction to the West Virginia Coal Hall of Fame is more than deserving,” said Jared Forman, president of the West Virginia Coal Mine Institute.

Induction into the West Virginia Coal Hall of Fame is the highest honor bestowed on any mining professional who has dedicated a career towards the betterment of the state’s leading industry.

Source: Loot Press

The event is scheduled during the West Virginia Coal Association’s Annual Mining Symposium and Coal Show.

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