The coal preparation industry has a very important role in sustaining a return to more prosperous times, according to Hollis.

“The US coal industry still finds itself in a continued downward spiral in employment and production,” Hollis said.

Interestingly, the use and production of coal worldwide is at record levels and seems poised to continue in that direction. There is some light at the end of the tunnel.

“With the application of our knowledge and expertise, along with training and educating the current and coming workforce, we can better position companies to face the future in the coming months.”

CPSA scheduled and presented its coal prep 101 course last summer in the Midwest.

The course focused on the fundamentals of coal preparation operations and techniques and was taught by Dr Rick Honaker of the University of Kentucky and Dr Gerald Luttrell of Virginia Tech.

The course was attended by 45 individuals from numerous companies in the Midwest and was sold out in less than a week.

Plans are already underway to offer additional courses in the near future at strategic locations in the eastern and western states.

“It is CPSA’s plan to continue to spread the knowledge of coal preparation in our industry,” Hollis said.

“Only those equipped with the best practices and knowledge will survive under the current market conditions.

“CPSA’s goal is to do its part to help educate our industry for the future.

“Together we can lay the groundwork to move forward in a positive manner and overcome the roadblocks that may seem too large at this time.

“I am sure that we will find a way, as this industry always has in the past.

“Coal has been an integral part of our past progress and I have no doubt it will continue in that role in the future.”