As concerns about the need to reduce dependence on foreign countries for oil continues to grow, the potential for new job creation and economic growth in the region may see a significant increase over the next few years, as new coal mines open and other energy companies are courted in an attempt to get them to locate in this area.

However, it’s not going to happen overnight, and the need for training new people to work in the industry is a major concern as well, those heavily involved in the local initiative agreed.

Right now, at least three coal mine companies are considering opening coal mines in Webster County, a move that could create up to 200 jobs per site. Consideration of sites in neighboring counties is also underway. The first one could open in as little as two years. Most of the others are at least three years away.

Pact Resources Inc., a subsidiary of Phoenix Coal, was recently granted a Kentucky Cabinet of Natural Resources mining permit at the cabinet’s hearing on July 29. According to a published public notice, “the permit includes underground mining, including preparation plant, of 5,961 acres in Webster County.”

Calls to Ron Siler of Pact Resources were referred to Pact Resources General Manager Kyle Wooton, which were in turn referred to Phoenix Coal spokesperson Steve McClain.

McClain said Phoenix Coal, through its subsidiary, plans to open the mine in 2010, but couldn’t be more specific about the time frame.

“We expect it to produce in the vicinity of 3,000,000 tons... of sellable coal per year,” McClain said.

The facility, which would be located just northwest of Sebree in Webster County, would employ between 150-200 miners, he added.

The company hasn’t begun hiring for positions, and training is something that will also be required, of course.

With the high number of potential jobs in the coal industry, regional economic agency Northwest Kentucky Forward Executive Director Kevin Sheilley said getting people trained is going to be a top priority over the next few years.

“It’s one of the concerns,” he said when asked if the region would be able to field all the potential jobs that would be created if all of the proposed coal mines open. “It’s a good thing, but it’s... part of the reason and thought behind this summit.”

The “summit” to which he referred is an event being hosted by the West Kentucky Regional Energy Board, a group reportedly formed among Webster, Henderson, and Union counties.

Webster County Judge Executive Jim Townsend, who serves on the energy board’s executive committee, said the board developed out of a previous meeting held in the area to try to attract energy-based industries to the region. Townsend said the summit, scheduled for Oct. 29 is something he hopes will become a regular event to attract new business.

Regarding the urgency for training new workers, Henderson Community College’s Pat Wilson, who works with the training program there, said the clock is ticking.

“No, I don’t think there are going to be enough (miners),” Wilson said. “There are a great number of miners retiring in the next 10 years. We’re going to lose a lot of good employees in manufacturing.”

She said unless something changes, “there will be a big gap in five to 10 years in the mining industry.”

Wilson said right now, the training program offered through the community college is a 40-hour underground simulation program to prepare potential miners for working underground. It’s offered every six-to-eight weeks, in addition to several other area projects. She noted at least one local coal mine company has a training program of its own.

Right now, most of the classes at HCC are held on the weekends due to the fact that the participants are working other jobs during the day. She said she believes that schedule will expand if the demand surges.

If folks are interested, they need to start working on their training now,” she said. “We have a waiting list. We are looking at doing them (classes) during evening... and possibly daytime.”

In addition, Wilson said other steps to build up the work force are necessary.

“We need to make sure kids are graduating from high school,” she said, pointing out that most mines won’t hire someone without a diploma. “We need to be offering these (mining training) classes whenever possible.”

In addition to Phoenix Coal’s planned mine, Peabody Energy Corporation has been considering opening a gasification plant in the region, though no decisions on the proposal have been announced, and Sunshine Resources LLC recently announced it is accepting applications for “experienced land agents, geologist, petroleum engineers, field operation mangers, accountants, and office managers.”

When contacted by e-mail in regards to potential plans to develop a coal mine in the area, Sunshine Resources’ Chester Thomas, whose position with the company wasn’t identifed, stated, “We have no information to release to the public at this time. We will contact you when it is appropriate to release any information.”