Wellmore Heliport

The heliport was closed for economic reasons. It was a private facility owned by the Wellmore Coal Company, a subsidiary of United Coal Company (which was acquired by Metinvest in 2009). The closure coincides with a period of significant decline and consolidation in the Central Appalachian coal industry. As coal companies faced economic pressure, non-essential, high-cost assets like private corporate heliports were often eliminated to reduce operational expenses.

The heliport is permanently closed and abandoned. Satellite imagery confirms the concrete helipad still exists on the grounds of the former coal preparation plant. The painted markings, including the 'H' and circle, are heavily faded but still visible. The site is not maintained for aviation use and is part of a larger industrial complex that appears to be idle or repurposed. The land remains private property.

Wellmore Heliport was a private corporate facility that served the Wellmore Coal Company's operations in Big Rock, Virginia. Its primary purpose was to provide rapid transportation for company executives, engineers, and key personnel to and from the remote Wellmore #8 Preparation Plant and surrounding mine sites. In the rugged, mountainous terrain of Buchanan County, helicopter travel offered a significant time savings over ground transportation, highlighting the scale and logistical sophistication of the region's coal operations during their more prosperous era. The heliport was an important logistical asset for a major regional employer, directly tied to the economic lifeblood of the area.

There are no known plans or prospects for reopening the Wellmore Heliport. The long-term decline of the regional coal industry and the high cost associated with operating and maintaining a private heliport make its reactivation economically unviable. The site will likely remain abandoned or be demolished as part of any future redevelopment of the industrial property.