Coal Mining Operation to Bring $500 Million, 350 New Jobs to Tuscaloosa County
A new metallurgical coal mining operation will bring more than half a billion dollars to Tuscaloosa County and create 350 high-paying jobs, according to a Wednesday announcement from the Tuscaloosa County Industrial Development Authority.
In a press release issued Wednesday afternoon, the TCIDA said Warrior Met Coal, Inc. will construct and develop a new underground coal mining operation in northern Tuscaloosa County.
The new facility will be built on Brandon School Road, and construction is set to begin on March 1. According to the press release, operations are expected to begin in Spring 2025.
“We are pleased to be able to work with the Tuscaloosa County Industrial Development Authority to facilitate this growth project that will transform Warrior and allow us to build upon our proven track record of creating value for all our stakeholders, including the local community,” said Walt Scheller, Chief Executive Officer Warrior Met Coal. “Our commitment to this new initiative demonstrates our continued focus on being a world‐class premium met coal producer supplying the global steel industry. We appreciate the good working relationship we have with all our local officials, and we look forward to this project producing jobs and economic benefits for West Alabama.”
Governor Kay Ivey also weighed in on the announcement, praising Warrior Met Coal for choosing to build in the Yellowhammer State.
"I’m extremely pleased with this latest investment by Warrior Met Coal to open new operations in Tuscaloosa County,” Ivey said. “The jobs they create will provide real career‐building opportunities for Alabamians. Further, the metallurgical coal to be produced in this new operation will enhance our State’s global trade footprint as it moves through the Port of Mobile and to Warrior Met customers around the globe.”
The TCIDA approved tax abatements at their Wednesday meeting to help incentivize the project, which Chairman Mark Crews said will create jobs with starting salaries around $85,000 a year.
Probate Judge and County Commission Chairman Rob Robertson said the county will also benefit from the tax revenue generated by the significant construction the new mine will require.
“It is estimated more than $11 million in education taxes will be generated from new construction and new purchases from the initial phase by the company, and this in addition to taxes generated from on‐going operations," Robertson said.