Justice Says 4 Mines Reopening; Cole Calls it Political Ploy

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Jim Justice says four metallurgical coal mines in southern West Virginia are reopening and will put 375 people to work.

The Register-Herald reports Justice made the announcement Thursday, saying his company, Justice Corp., estimates it has already filled about a third of the jobs.

Republican gubernatorial candidate Bill Cole called the announcement, which came a less than a week before the general election, a political ploy to gain votes. He predicted the announcement would amount to “unfulfilled promises.”

Jay Justice, who is executive vice president at Justice Corp. and the son of Jim Justice, says he understands the skepticism given the timing, but plans to reopen the mines have been in the works for months.

The mines are located in Raleigh, Wyoming and McDowell counties.