Coal Trends recently spoke with Jennmar Services’ Central Appalachian group general manager
Ritchie Belcher about contract mining and its importance to both the coal and hard rock
industries in the region and beyond.
Coal Trends: Please tell me more about Jennmar Services-Central App group, the area it covers and the scope of work your crews do.
Belcher: We primarily service the Central App region, but our specialty construction crews have been to several other states/regions for specialty applications in coal and hard rock.
We started the Central App workgroup in 2021 with the mindset of being more than just a labor provider, we wanted to work closely with our customers to help them find solutions to their issues. We have grown into a 100-plus-employee division and continue to grow.
How prevalent is coal miner contract work in the mining community?
Today’s operators are faced with increasing challenges every day. Contractors and contract labor can be a great asset to the operators helping keep the mines running safely and efficiently. We pride ourselves in the fact that we work with our customers to help find solutions. We specialize in building crews that can target specific needs of our customers.
What is the most common type of work for which operators select contractors?
The main focus for contract labor has been to send in workers to fill vacant spots the mines have. We still do that, but we specialize in the special project construction crews.
What place does Jennmar want to continue to have in the coal mining community, and are there any plans for growth in this area? Jennmar Services takes great pride in our presence in the coal industry. We continue to operate under the legacy model put in place by Mr. Calandra years ago, we go to any length to service our customers and help keep them running safely and efficiently.
What do you feel is the best part of working in project and contract mining?
One of the most rewarding parts of this job is to help young miners get started into coal mining. We love to see them grow into experienced coal miners holding key positions in the industry. Our management team is second to none. We have experienced managers who know coal mining and how to get things done. Eric Coleman, Dan Oliver and Rob Compton all have decades of experience in mining and mining management making a solid team who can handle anything we face. We also have an arsenal of experienced foremen in our field management team who do an excellent job running our projects. Our office admin staff is first class and is always available when needed. We are proud to be in this area and proud to give back to our community. We strive to be the solutions providers to our customers and a place our local people want to work.
Jennmar Services is a subsidiary entity of Pennsylvania-based Jennmar. It operates nationwide serving coal mining and multiple other industries. Jennmar Services operates across all lower 48 states. With several locations/offices, this can lead to opportunities for both mine careers and employers looking for a team.