A year ago a group of out-of-work miners climbed onto railroad tracks and into local lore. The Blackjewel protest put a spotlight on coal country's crisis.
The group is calling attention to numerous environmental violations by Blackjewel and its related companies and urging the federal bankruptcy judge to prioritize the environment as the bankruptcy continues.
West Virginia employees of coal operator Blackjewel LLC have received their final paychecks more than two months after the company declared bankruptcy.
Analysis of federal data shows that the mines belonging to WV Gov. Jim Justice's family make the most use of "idling," delaying reclamation of mine lands.
More than a thousand miners left unpaid by the abrupt bankruptcy of Blackjewel mining could soon be getting some – but not all – of the money they are owed.
As Blackjewel miners keep up their protest in Kentucky, a bankruptcy court hearing Monday could determine whether and when the miners get their paychecks.
