Our Mission
The primary mission of MSTC is to aid in the expansion of research, development and manufacturing opportunities and to ensure West Virginia leads the nation in mine safety, health, technology, and equipment. To achieve these goals, MSTC is committed to supporting new and existing businesses whose focus is to develop technology as well as knowledge based products and systems dedicated to improving mine safety throughout the industry.
In the past year we have assisted multiple companies in developing new technologies to meet the demands and needs of safety issues related to the industry.
Through our partnership with various organizations, including the Upper Kanawha Valley Economic Development Corporation, we offer several programs assisting in the mission of MSTC. With their assistance, MSTC offers a business incubator for aspiring companies, as well as entrepreneurship training through a partnership with the Women’s Business and Training Center, and training through Bridgemont Community and Technical College.
The Mine Safety Technology Consortium is a public-private partnership involving business owners, industry and government leaders, and education professionals. It was created to support three main objectives: mine safety and health, economic development, and job creation within the state.Through education and business partnerships, we provide the miner the training and tools needed to ensure they return each night to their families.
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The consortium is working to address a key recommendation made after the 2006 Sago Mine disaster by expanding research, development, and manufacturing opportunities in West Virginia to ensure the state leads the nation in mine safety, health, technology and Dr. Harris of BRIDGEMONT COMMUNITY & TECHNICAL COLLEGE, and Dr. Tony Szwilski, Director of CEGAS at Marshall University and the principal investigator of the parent project at CEGAS.
Other members of the consortium include: Dr. Chris Bise, chair of the Department of Mining Engineers at West Virginia University ; Doug Conaway, Arch Coal; Chris Hamilton, Senior Vice president, West Virginia Coal Association; and Jack Holt, Senior Vice President, Consol Energy.
Through education and business partnerships, we provide the miner the training and tools needed to ensure they return each night to their families.
Economic Development Administration. The funding was granted to CEGAS, with the assistance of U.S. Rep. Nick Rahall, to “invest in the core capabilities of state institutions to advance the innovative capabilities and entrepreneurial activities to produce mine safety technologies and knowledge, intensive products and services in West Virginia, and to benefit the U.S. mining industry.”
The grant is matched by $1 million in state funds and $600,000 in donations for a total of $3.6 million. Funds from private sources and equipment. MSTC will support new businesses which develop both technology and knowledge-based products and systems dedicated to improving mine safety in the state and throughout the United States.
Committees & Management
