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

Perry County
Production Method Mines Production Percentage
Total 29 9,231,478 100%
Surface 21 6,214,074 67%
Underground 8 3,017,404 33%
With the exception of 1999, surface mining has been the
largest source of coal production in Perry county over the
past 19 years.
On-Site Activity Employment Percentage
Total 1,775 100%
Surface 731 41%
Underground 728 41%
Preparation Plant 214 12%
Office 102 6%
Perry County, located in Eastern Kentucky, was the third
largest coal producing county in Kentucky with more than
9.2 million tons in 2012. Surface mine sites accounted for 67
percent of this total, and have consistently led coal production
in the county in recent years. Overall, Perry County represented
10 percent of statewide production in 2012, though
production decreased by 30 percent and remains down from
a 2008 high of more than 17 million tons.
Direct coal mining employment in Perry County in 2012 was
the second highest in the state, with an average of 1,775
individuals employed full-time during the year. Through
2012, surface operations and underground operations both
provided approximately 730 jobs. Coal preparation plants
and mine offices were also a substantial concentration of
employment, accounting for 316 jobs. However, average
coal mine employment in Perry County decreased by 16
percent compared with 2011.
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