Highland Mining (Highland), a subsidiary of Massey Energy Company, has received a permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to commence work at its new Reylas Surface Mine in Logan County, West Virginia.
The mine will provide work for 103 local inhabitants directly for about 6 years and will turn out around 1 million clean tons of coal per year. Approximately, $5 million is likely to be generated in taxes through the production stage for use in Logan County over the years.
Highland will make use of the reclaimed area to build a 235-acre housing site for local inhabitants affected by natural calamities. The site will have all facilities like paved roads, public water and electric and sewage systems and that will be set for short-term housing during emergencies.
Governor Tomblin, former Governor Manchin and many Logan County officials helped in advancing the project by offering good jobs and shelter to the local residents.
In August 2007, Highland applied for the permit to the U.S. Army Corps. West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection gave a surface mining permit to Highland in 2008.