In
Numbers
Coal
After experiencing a downturn in production for several years, coal is experiencing an upswing, which has helped the energy
industry boost West Virginia’s economy. Exporting has played a major role in the industry’s turnaround, particularly with coun-
tries overseas that have an immediate need for both metallurgical and thermal coal. In fact, according to the “2019-2023 West
Virginia Economic Outlook Report,” in 2017 coal exports reached $3.2 billion. India’s demand tripled in 2017, totaling $636
million, while Ukraine’s demand saw a gain of 285 percent. Despite the challenges of competing with surrounding states that
don’t have a severance tax and battling the natural gas industry and renewable energy sources for market share, this fossil fuel
industry continues to produce high-quality coal that is now in demand abroad.
$3.2
Billion
$67.75
Total Value
of Coal
Exports
Rise in Employment in
the Coal Industry in 2017
Cost of a Short
Ton of WV Coal
in 2017 compared
to the U.S. average
of $33.72
>15%
Source: www.eia.gov
in 2017
Source: “2019-2023 West Virginia Economic Outlook”
Source: “2019-2023 West Virginia Economic Outlook”
WV’s National
Ranking in Coal
Production in 2017
49,646
16%
2nd
Coal Industry
Employment in 2017
Source: WV Office of MHST
Top Five Countries
for Exporting in 2018
from 2016 to 2017
Source: www.eia.gov
WV’s Top Five Production
Counties in 2018
Source: “2019-2023 West Virginia Economic Outlook”
WV Coal Production 2016-2018
Canada Marshall India Marion 13,265,488 Tons Export Thermal
Netherlands Logan 13,140,673 Tons Domestic
Metallurgical
Ukraine
Brazil
Source: www.census.gov
46
Increase in
Coal Production
WEST VIRGINIA EXECUTIVE
Ohio
Raleigh
17,307,878 Tons
10,119,692 Tons
6,130,759 Tons
Source: www.census.gov
85m
Tons
Export
Metallurgical
93m
Tons 97m
Tons
2017 2018
Domestic Thermal
2016
Source: www.census.gov