Jeff Hoops built Blackjewel into the nation’s sixth largest coal company by acquiring bankrupt mines. When it declared bankruptcy, he pivoted to other ventures, leaving polluted streams and mud-shrouded roads in his wake.
A proposed $17.3 million settlement of a class action lawsuit would provide additional payment for hundreds of Appalachian coal miners who were suddenly left jobless by the abrupt bankruptcy of the Blackjewel mining company.
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.
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.
