POINT PLEASANT, W.Va. — Standing in front of the Ohio River at Point Pleasant, Governor Patrick Morrisey Monday announced a company with a new technology plans to make its flagship plant in West Virginia.
“We are excited to welcome Frontieras North America and its state-of-the-art project to Mason County. This investment demonstrates that West Virginia’s workforce and business climate can attract world-class companies and investments,” said Governor Morrisey.
According to a news release announcing the move, Frontieras will build its first commercial scale facility in Mason County using the company’s patented FASForm process. According to the company the process converts coal into fuels, fertilizers, and industrial carbon products with zero waste.
“West Virginia gave us every reason to build here—natural resources, world-class logistics, and a government that understands the importance of industrial growth,” said Matthew McKean, CEO and Co-Founder of Frontieras North America.
The Morrisey Administration says Frontieras selected Mason County over potential locations in Texas and Wyoming. They cited West Virginia’s infrastructure, logistics, and energy-friendly policies. The Governor said the company will create new markets for coal beyond power generation and steel production.
“This project strengthens our coal communities by creating new demand for Appalachian coal,” Governor Morrisey said. “By supporting innovation that builds on our natural resources, we are delivering real economic opportunity for miners, families, and communities across the Mountain State.”
“Frontieras’ decision to site this innovative facility in the heart of West Virginia’s coalfields demonstrates real confidence in our people, our resources, and our leadership,” said Chris Hamilton, President of the West Virginia Coal Association in a news release. “The leadership team at Frontieras is to be highly complimented for jumpstarting the implementation of advanced carbon technologies and coal utilization. This project reflects what we’ve said for years—West Virginia coal isn’t going away. It’s evolving, driving new technology, new markets, and new economic growth.”
Morrisey said the company has purchased 183 acres of Ohio River frontage where they plan to build the $850-Million facility. The plant will create more than 2,000 construction jobs and 200 fulltime jobs once in operation.
However, this isn’t the first time Frontieras has announced such plans for West Virginia or Mason County. In 2022 the company made a similar announcement with plans to process coal in Mason County at a rate of 2.5 Million tons a year. The 2022 announcement touted 500 jobs and plans to be operational by 2023.