Coal Preparation Society of America

Message from the President

Coal - Still in the Mix in ’26 - CoalProTec 2026 is going to be here before we know it, with a month until the Lexington conference is held from April 27 - 29th.  The show is slated to have 70+ exhibitors and two days of technical sessions covering topics ranging from new technologies in the coal preparation space, flotation technologies, plant operational case studies and AI integration into plants.  The technical sessions always have provided great insight into what advancements and opportunities exist within the plant operational space.  It is a great time to network and to get together with colleagues new and old at the conference.

2026 has started off interesting in our industry with coal prices seeing a recent uptick with the turmoil middle east and the supply of oil and LNG being disrupted.  I also recently read that there are plans for a new 1.25 GW coal-fired power plant in the US, the first in over a decade.  I didn’t know if we would ever see another coal fire power plant built in the US but here we are.  Maybe the predicted demand for power as a result of data centers, AI, and/or the volatile energy markets will bring even more plants in the future.
   
As the conference nears, it also nears the end of my term serving as President of the Society.  I want to say that it was an honor and a privilege to serve the Society and Membership for these past two years.  Since I began my career in the coal preparation industry, I have always held the organization and what it has to offer in high regard and the opportunity to serve has been one I value.  Having the support of the equipment and service providers in our industry through this time has also been a great experience. The Board and Officers were able to help drive the objective of Advancing the Knowledge of Coal Preparation in our industry through the implementation of the maintenance seminars and the continuation of the Coal Prep 101 and 102 sessions.  

As this is my last opportunity, I want to thank Toni Franklin for all the hard work and dedication she has provided over this term to facilitate and coordinate all our happenings.  With Toni having taken over after the last CoalProTec conference in 2024 the transition has been seamless.  I thank Dr. Rick Honaker for the time and travel carrying out the educational classes for the CPSA.  Mel Laurila, thank you for all you have done to guide the organization and keep things on track!

The volunteer Board of Directors and I thank you, our members, for your ongoing support of the CPSA and taking the time to read the Spring 2026 issue of the Coal Preparation Society of America’s Coal Processing Technology Journal. I look forward to seeing you in Lexington.

Work Safe and God Bless,

John Nielson