US Coal Industry Is on the Road to Recovery

Trump's policies and a strong steel market are driving optimism in the sector

Donnie Claycomb, 27, of Limestone, West Virginia., who has been mining for 6 years, stands in front of an American flag prior to an event with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt at the Harvey Mine in Sycamore, Pennsylvania, on April 13, 2017. Justin Merriman/Getty Images

U.S. coal producers are confident in expanding their production thanks to President Donald Trump’s coal-friendly policies and strong demand from steelmakers.

Pennsylvania-based Corsa Coal Corp. announced the opening of its second coal mine two months after launching the Acosta deep mine in Somerset County, Pa. in June.

The company made the decision owing to a robust steel marketplace, CEO of Corsa Coal George Dethlefsen told Fox News.

Work on the new mine was halted in 2012. Renovations will start next month with an expected opening early next year.

Trump is a strong supporter of coal and fossil fuels and has rolled back Obama-era energy regulations that hampered the industry for years.

Dethlefsen believes there is a direct link between Trump policies and the opening of the second coal mine.

“Deregulation has been a tremendous help for the industry,” he said. “The war on coal is over.” 

George Dethlefsen, CEO Corsa Coal Corp., center, is joined by fellow Corsa Coal employees and dignitaries as they cut the ribbon at the grand opening of Corsa Coal's Acosta Deep Mine in Friedens, Pennsylvania on June 8, 2017. Dethlefsen announced that the company will open the second coal mine in the first quarter of 2018.
Justin Merriman/Getty Images