FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 7, 2024
Media Contact: Lisa DePaoli, lisa@centerforcoalfieldjustice.org, 724-229-3550, ext. 3
Ramaco Withdraws Appeal, Ram No. 1 Mine will NOT Be Developed in Washington County!
Washington, PA – In November 2023, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) denied the permit for the Ram No. 1 underground mine in Washington County. This was the DEP’s first denial of a mining permit since 1994.
Yesterday, Ramaco Resources withdrew its appeal of this decision before the Environmental Hearing Board (EHB). With no more pending appeals or permits, it’s official: a mine is actually going to stay closed in southwestern Pennsylvania!
This is a victory for the Protectors of Mingo (POM), a local community group which, working with CCJ, has been fighting this mine for over ten years. The mine would have been located near Mingo Creek County Park — a local treasure in southwestern Pennsylvania — and contributed to noise, truck traffic, and potential air and water pollution in the area if approved.
The Ram No. 1 Coal Mine was first proposed by Ramaco Resources for development in Washington County in 2013. Since then, CCJ and POM have been monitoring, raising concerns, and challenging parts of the application. As a result of POM’s vigilance and communication with the townships and DEP, the permit was stalled for over a decade, and now, the permit is dead.
Once again, we see people and groups working together across differences to accomplish their goals, and POM accomplishing its mission to preserve the safety of their children and standard of life in their quiet communities, securing a safe and healthy future for all.
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