Frontieras North America has finalized the purchase of 183 acres in Mason County, West Virginia, where it will develop a groundbreaking $850 million coal reformation facility. The project is expected to generate more than 2,000 construction jobs and over 200 permanent positions once operational.

The new facility will feature Frontieras’ innovative FASForm™ technology, which transforms coal into fuels, fertilizers, and industrial carbon products without producing waste. Located along the Ohio River with direct access to barge transport and a Class I rail line, the site benefits from proximity to Appalachian coal reserves and a skilled local workforce.

Matthew McKean, CEO and Co-Founder of Frontieras North America, said West Virginia’s resources and infrastructure made it the clear choice. “The combination of natural assets, logistics, and supportive state policies gave us every reason to build here,” McKean noted.

This project marks the first commercial-scale application of Frontieras’ patented process, offering a new industrial use for coal beyond electricity generation and steelmaking. The company also plans to explore future expansions in West Virginia and the broader Appalachian region.

With this investment, the Mason County facility is positioned to play a significant role in the state’s energy landscape and local economy.

The Mason County project comes as coal’s role in U.S. power generation continues to shrink, underscored by the recent shutdown of Utah’s Intermountain Power Project, once the state’s largest coal-fired power plant. While facilities like Intermountain are being retired as utilities move away from coal-based electricity, projects such as Frontieras’ West Virginia plant reflect a parallel shift toward new industrial uses for coal. Rather than burning coal for power, the facility will reform it into fuels, fertilizers, and carbon products, highlighting how coal-producing regions are seeking alternative pathways to sustain demand and jobs as traditional coal plants close.

Frontieras North America Coal Facility

Mason County, West Virginia

Project Overview

Investment: $850 million advanced coal reformation facility

Location: 183-acre site in Mason County, WV

Status: Land acquisition closed; construction phase ahead

Job Creation

2,000+ construction jobs

200+ permanent full-time positions upon operation

Technology

First commercial-scale deployment of patented FASForm™ process

Converts coal into fuels, fertilizers, and industrial carbon products

Zero-waste operation

Expands coal utilization beyond traditional electricity generation and steelmaking

Site Advantages

Over 1 mile of Ohio River frontage for barge transport

Class I rail access via CSX

Proximity to Appalachian coal reserves

Access to skilled regional workforce

Competitive Selection

West Virginia chosen over competing sites in Texas and Wyoming due to:

Superior infrastructure and logistics

Energy-friendly regulatory environment

Natural resource access

Supportive business climate

Strategic Alignment

Supports Governor Morrisey’s “50 by 50” energy plan

Creates new demand for Appalachian coal

Reinforces West Virginia’s position as national energy leader

Drives economic opportunity for coal communities

Future Outlook

Company exploring additional expansion opportunities across West Virginia and Appalachian region