Kentucky Coal Facts - 13th Edition - Department for Energy ...

Harlan County
Production Method Mines Production Percentage
Total 60 7,101,868 100%
Underground 39 5,064,137 71%
Surface 21 2,037,731 29%
On-Site Activity Employment Percentage
Total 1,650 100%
Underground 1,085 66%
Surface 428 26%
Preparation Plant 106 6%
Office 31 2%
Harlan County produced 7.1 million tons of coal in 2012,
which was 7.7 percent of total production in the Commonwealth.
Yet, production decreased by 27.4 percent from
2011. Seventy-one percent of the coal produced in 2012 in
Harlan County came from underground mining operations,
while only 29 percent from surface mines. Between 2001 to
2010, Harlan County’s production averaged 10 million tons
annually.
Direct coal mine employment in Harlan County was the third
highest in the Commonwealth in 2012, though mining employment
decreased by 26 percent compared with 2011.
During 2012, coal mines in Harlan County employed on average
1,649 individuals full-time. Underground mines were
the largest source of mining employment, followed by surface
operations. Approximately 100 individuals worked in
coal preparations plants, while 31 worked at on-site offices.
energy.ky.gov
kentuckycoal.com
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