Powering Alabama’s Economy and Communities for Decades to Come
When people think about Alabama’s economic growth, they often think about Huntsville’s booming tech scene, Birmingham’s healthcare industry, or Tuscaloosa’s thriving education and manufacturing base. But in the heart of West Alabama, a project is underway that promises to be just as transformational for jobs, infrastructure, and long-term economic development — the Blue Creek Mine project from Warrior Met Coal.
As one of the most ambitious mining projects in the United States, Blue Creek will add significant capacity to Warrior Met’s already robust operations. With a projected 40-year mine life, more than 300 new jobs, and over $1 billion in annual economic output once fully operational, the project represents a major vote of confidence in Alabama’s future.
For homeowners, homebuyers, and builders in Tuscaloosa County and surrounding areas, this project means more than just a boost for the coal industry — it means job stability, population growth, and infrastructure investment that will fuel housing demand for decades to come.
Warrior Met Coal: A Brookwood-Based Powerhouse
Warrior Met Coal Inc. (NYSE: HCC) is headquartered in Brookwood, Alabama, where it currently operates two longwall mines — Mine 4 and Mine 7 — producing up to 8.0 million metric tons of premium metallurgical coal annually. This coal is not the kind burned to generate electricity; it is metallurgical coal, also known as coking coal, used to make steel.
Steel made from Warrior Met coal is shipped to manufacturers across Europe, South America, and Asia, supporting the construction of bridges, buildings, and critical infrastructure around the world. These international exports help make Alabama one of the most important players in the global steel supply chain.
Currently, Warrior Met employs more than 1,300 workers, making it one of the largest private employers in West Alabama. Its operations have approximately 91.4 million metric tons of recoverable reserves, which equate to roughly 40 combined years of remaining production life within its current mine plan.
Advanced Mining Technology for Safety and Efficiency
Both Mine 4 and Mine 7 use longwall mining, a highly efficient technique that allows for continuous production. Mine 7 currently operates two longwalls, while Mine 4 runs a single longwall. Each longwall is equipped with state-of-the-art technology, including:
-
Advanced horizon control and face alignment
-
Improved dust control systems
-
Shield technology supporting partial automation for safer operations
Warrior Met invests heavily in its infrastructure, with approximately $95.2 million in sustaining capital spent in 2024 alone to upgrade equipment, perform routine rebuilds, and ensure its workforce has the safest, most productive tools available.
The Blue Creek Project: Alabama’s Next Major Economic Engine
While Warrior Met’s current operations are impressive, the Blue Creek Mine project represents a true leap forward for the company and the region. Located in Fayette County, Blue Creek contains one of the largest untouched premium High-Vol A (HVA) metallurgical coal reserves in North America.
The numbers speak for themselves:
-
69.8 million short tons of recoverable reserves
-
49.5 million short tons of additional coal resources
-
119.3 million short tons total (reserves + resources)
This enormous reserve base translates into an approximate 40-year mine life, ensuring long-term employment opportunities for local workers and ongoing economic stability for surrounding communities.
“The Blue Creek project is the future for Warrior Met Coal,” says D’Andre Wright, Vice President of External Affairs and Communications. “The project has a 40-year mine life, allowing the company to continue employing coal miners in West Alabama for the next four decades.”
Infrastructure Investment: Rail, Conveyor, and Port Access
Mining coal is only half the equation — transporting it to customers worldwide is where the real logistical challenge lies. Warrior Met is addressing this with a massive infrastructure investment to ensure efficient delivery.
The company has spent $154 million to build a new rail loadout facility and overland conveyor belt system connecting Blue Creek with its existing mines in northern Tuscaloosa County.
-
The rail loadout was completed and began shipping coal to the McDuffie Coal Terminal at the Port of Mobile in April 2025.
-
The overland conveyor belt is on track to be operational by late 2025, in time for full-scale longwall production to begin by the second quarter of 2026.
Warrior Met is also constructing a barge loading dock for river transport, giving it even greater flexibility to serve domestic and international customers.
These investments ensure that Warrior Met can continue to deliver coal quickly and cost-effectively, strengthening Alabama’s reputation as a hub for global exports.
Economic Impact: Jobs, Growth, and Community Stability
When fully operational, the Blue Creek Mine will employ more than 300 additional workers — a significant boost to West Alabama’s workforce. The company projects that Blue Creek will generate:
-
$1.3 billion in incremental annual revenues
-
$735 million in incremental adjusted EBITDA
-
$637 million in incremental free cash flow annually
This represents a 75% increase in Warrior Met’s production capacity, from 8 million short tons to 14 million short tons annually.
For Alabama, that means more tax revenue, more infrastructure investment, and more disposable income flowing into local communities — all of which support stronger housing demand and healthier local economies.
Market Resilience and Future Outlook
Despite global economic headwinds and fluctuating coal prices, Warrior Met continues to perform strongly. In the first quarter of 2025 alone, the company reported:
-
A 10% increase in production volumes, largely thanks to Blue Creek development
-
A 2% increase in sales volumes
-
A decrease in cash cost of sales per short ton from $133.48 to $112.35 YoY
This financial resilience highlights Warrior Met’s ability to adapt to market conditions while continuing to invest in Alabama’s future.
What This Means for Alabama Homebuyers and Builders
At TBG Homes, we keep a close eye on projects like Blue Creek because they help shape the future of housing demand in our region. Here’s why this matters for homebuyers, sellers, and investors:
-
Job Growth Drives Housing Demand: More than 300 new high-paying mining jobs — plus hundreds more in supporting industries — will bring new families to West Alabama.
-
Infrastructure Expansion Supports Development: Rail, conveyor, and barge infrastructure improvements mean more investment in roads, utilities, and community amenities.
-
Economic Stability Encourages Buying: A 40-year mine life provides long-term confidence for lenders, developers, and homeowners, making it easier to plan for the future.
For homebuyers, this means a stronger local market with new construction opportunities and long-term property value growth. For builders, it signals sustained demand and confidence to invest in new communities.
A Long-Term Commitment to Alabama
Warrior Met Coal is more than just a mining company — it’s a major contributor to Alabama’s economy and a key player in supporting global infrastructure. Its investments in Blue Creek represent a long-term commitment to West Alabama’s people and prosperity.
As homebuilders in the region, TBG Homes is excited to watch how this project helps shape the future of Tuscaloosa County and beyond. Whether you are a first-time homebuyer, an investor, or simply someone considering relocating to West Alabama, projects like Blue Creek signal that this is a place with a bright future.
Bottom line: The Blue Creek project is a transformational investment not just for Warrior Met Coal, but for the entire region. With decades of production ahead, new jobs, and infrastructure investments, West Alabama is poised for a period of economic growth — and TBG Homes is here to help you find your place in it.
