The West Virginia Coal Association was formed in 1915 to advance and safeguard the interests of the state's coal industry. The association has represented the majority of West Virginia's coal production since that time and has counted most large coal producers among its membership. In 2005, about 50 member companies accounted for more than 80 percent of the coal produced in the state. Another 200 associate members, consisting of non-mining companies that do business with the industry, add substantially to the strength of the West Virginia Coal Association.

Beginning in 1966, a separate organization represented the interests of West Virginia's growing surface mining industry. In 2001 this organization, the West Virginia Mining and Reclamation Association, merged with the West Virginia Coal Association. The move brought both surface and underground mining interests into the same organization.

The Coal Association was headquartered in Huntington in its early years, reflecting that city's importance as a coal industry business and banking center and its strategic location on a major coal-hauling railroad. In modern times, the West Virginia Coal Association has been located in Charleston. It maintains an active and effective lobby in the state capital and also represents West Virginia coal producers in Washington. In 2003, the Coal Association founded Friends of Coal as an independent organization of industry supporters. The two organizations continue to cooperate closely.

The West Virginia Coal Association is a nonprofit trade association. It draws its officers from the top ranks of industry leadership and maintains a paid professional staff as well. The association takes no role in labor negotiations.