WV coal exports rose by $2.1 billion to a total of $7.4 billion for the year, accounting for 49% of US coal exports in 2012.

The growth is attributed to an increased demand for coal in Asia.

The top growth markets for WV coal were Japan, growing from $29 million in 2011 to $395 million in 2012 and China, growing from $93 million in 2011 to $567 million in 2012.

Despite the increase in exports, WV coal production was still down more than 8% in 2012 and the mining industry in the state lost more than 5000 jobs, according to the WV Department of Revenue.

WV Governor Earl Ray Tomblin said the state’s exports “grew by 25%, surpassing the national growth rate of 4.6 per cent”

“Exports are a valuable contributor to our state’s economic growth and stability,” he added.

But according to the Associated Press, officials don't see exports as a substitute for declining domestic demand for coal.

"The foreign markets are going to be erratic, there's going to be good years and bad years for the foreign markets, whereas the domestic markets are more stable," Deputy Revenue Secretary Mark Muchow told the AP.

"Overall, the numbers are negative – we see coal production decreasing in West Virginia."