The annual Illinois Mining Institute (IMI) will be held August 7-8 at the Pavilion in Marion, Illinois. The coal mining symposium includes presentations from industry leaders, such as Joe Craft, CEO of Alliance Resource Partners, and Steve Carter, president of Knight Hawk Coal. Also speaking at the session will be Illinois Congressman Mike Bost and Illinois State Sen. Paul Schimpf.
In addition to the educational sessions, this year’s activities include a golf tournament starting at 8:30 a.m. on August 7 at nearby Kokopelli golf course, a mine rescue competition and the Illinois Basin Coal and Mining Expo. Participants are also invited to a casino night at Kokopelli and picnic at nearby Black Diamond Harley-Davidson.
Described as the place “Where the Illinois Basin Comes Together,” the event draws more than 600 mining professionals from throughout Illinois, Kentucky and Indiana. The IMI was established in 1892 to share information about innovations in mining and safety techniques. It is an all-volunteer organization. This year’s program is being held in partnership with the Illinois Coal Association, Kentucky Coal Association, Indiana Coal Council and Hoosier Count on Coal.
Stands are sponsorships are still available and vendors planning to participate in the Illinois Basin Coal and Mining Expo can register online at www.illinoismininginstitute.org.
