A coal mining group is urging coal supporters from Logan County and across the coalfields to attend a hearing tonight regarding the Camp Branch surface mine permit.

The hearing is being conducted by the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection and will begin at 6 p.m. at the Logan High School Little Theater. The purpose of the meeting is to receive comments on the permit application.

Roger Horton with Citizens for Coal said Wednesday that he will be taking part in the hearing and he is encouraging everyone — all miners and those in the coal industry — to attend to learn more about the Camp Branch permit.

The hearing is an open forum and seating will be limited. Horton said attendees should show up early to make sure they get in to the theater.

The Camp Branch surface mine is owned by Aracoma Coal in Logan County.

Horton attended yesterday’s Coal Forum at Walker Machinery in Belle. Also attending the meeting was U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin, Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin, W.Va. Sen. Art Kirkendoll and several coal and business industry leaders from throughout the state.

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To contact Staff Writer Michael Browning, call 304-752-6950, extension 309, or email him at mbrowning@loganbanner.com.