New Henderson County Mine hosts grand opening

CORYDON, Ky. (WEHT) — A big win for Henderson County’s economy. Leaders gathered with the community in Corydon today to celebrate the grand opening of a new mine that promises to bring hundreds of jobs to the area.

The Henderson County Mine, now fully operational, is expected to create nearly 500 jobs by the end of this year. It will be led by a subsidiary of Alliance Coal LLC, known as Riverview Coal.

With over 15 years of experience, the company might be new to Corydon, but they’re no stranger to the industry.

A full crowd gathered at the site on Tuesday for a special ceremony to celebrate the moment.

“Some of [the jobs] will move over from our River View location in Union County. It’s exciting to see this type of investment made. The biggest thing is it’s always good to reassure employees that we’re going to provide security. We’re going to be around for the long term. This type of investment assures that…the community as well, that depend on the trickle economics,” said Zach Brown, the general manager of River View Coal.

Construction on the multi-million-dollar project kicked off in July of 2023, but officials said it’s been a 4-year process.

The site was chosen for its central and somewhat spacious proximity to surrounding homes.

Henderson County Judge-Executive Brad Schneider said important steps were taken to reassure nearby residents, like repair work to Sulphur Springs Road and planting vegetation to act as a barrier between the 30,000-square-foot building.

“They didn’t have to, but they did. That spirit of cooperation and the idea that you were part of the community…it’s good for all of us,” said Schneider.

Mined coal will be transported from the Corydon shaft site by underground conveyor belt to an already existing terminal on the Ohio River near Uniontown, Kentucky.

With workers’ competitive salaries, 100 percent benefits, and the opportunity for overtime, officials say the rest will take care of itself.

“As the money rolls over and as communities and people used it to buy houses, cars and go to dinner…it ends up meaning more than $300 million a year. You just don’t find opportunities like that every day,” said Schneider.