The new Corsa Coal Acosta Mine opened today in Somerset County.
The grand opening was met with excitement by state representatives over the mine’s economic impact in the area.
“This mine will help support this community and its workforce and its families by providing jobs and opportunities to an area that desperately needs both,” said Governor Tom Wolf, (D) Pennsylvania.
The Acosta Mine in Jenner Twp., Somerset County will create about 70-100 direct, full-time jobs. The jobs are high-paying and family-sustaining: miners make upwards of $80,000 a year. Twelve workers have been hired so far, with more expected to join the workforce later this year.
The new mine is also expected to create around 500 indirect jobs in trucking, engineering, hospitality and real estate industries.
“And the great thing about the coal industry is there’s such a big supply chain that underpins the industry and it’s our view that 5-6 jobs are created for every direct job that is created,” said George Dethlefsen, the CEO of Corsa Coal.
However, others were frustrated by the mine’s opening. Nearby homeowners protested during the ceremony, chanting, “Would you want to live here?”
Work started earlier this week at the mine. It will produce 400,000 tons of metallurgical coal a year. The coal will then be sold to steel companies around the world.
The $15 million mine was partially funded by a $3 million grant from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, supported by state representatives.
“My administration has worked hard to support projects that bring downstream benefits to Pennsylvania, back to Pennsylvania,” Gov. Wolf said.
The Acosta Mine has even sparked national interest. President Trump was invited to the grand opening. While he couldn’t attend, he did have a special message for workers.
“To the miners in Somerset today, I want you to know that Washington may be some 180 miles down the road, as long as I’m the president of your great country, I’m fighting for you,” President Trump said in a video filmed for the opening.
Coal executives said they’re encouraged by increased state and national support for the industry, as well as international demand for coal.
They said they’re hoping to open more mines in the region in the next year or two.