Coal River Energy, Fire Skills and BBQ

Today we had a bit of an earlier start. We left Mike and Wanda's house at 8:15 and headed to Coal River Energy, a surface mining site outside of Charleston. Dave and Gary greeted us with coffee and doughnuts and Dave talked to us about coal production in the US. We discussed different types of coal, regions of production, and coal's evolving place in the greater energy production, specifically the competition between coal and gas. Continuing our theme of asking lots of questions, we asked about employment and political impacts on mining in the area. The group then headed out on a tour of the mines. We saw a new reclamation site, where Dave and Gary discussed habitat and forest reclamation.

A recently reclaimed contour mining site 

Then they took us to the processing, cleaning and loading area. Dave showed us the slurry pond and dam, and finally they took us to the currently active mining site. We talked about the extraction methods, the coal seems, machinery, and much much more. Throughout the tour, I think that everyone appreciated Dave's knowledge and willingness to share. He took pride in the multifaceted aspects of his part in Coal River Energy, and thoroughly answered all of our questions.

The slurry pond at Coal River Energy 

The active mining site 

After we got back, Mike and Wanda made us grass-fed beef hamburgers from Mike's property. Joe, who runs an outdoor safety program came over and taught us how to build and light fires and talked about tinder, kindling and fuel sources.

Nature Joe lighting kindling!  

It was a beautiful day outside and I think everyone was happy to get a little sunshine. We are excited for a busy day in Fayetteville tomorrow!

Me playing around on some equipment. One tire costs $30,000! 

-Emily