Soul of 78: Bradley Brasfield

From modest beginnings to a lasting legacy in the coal industry.

Words by Thomas Ingle | Images by Justin Hunter

Bradley Brasfield's career journey began with humble roots. Born and raised in the Pumpkin Center community of Quinton, Alabama, Brasfield later carved an impressive career path in the coal industry. His dedication and expertise propelled him to contribute significantly to the industry as a Registered Professional Engineer in Alabama, Florida, Kentucky, and Texas

After completing his education in 1976 with two degrees from The University of Alabama, Bradley began his coal career by joining Drummond Company as a mining engineer. 

"I was responsible for feasibility studies for the Cedrum Project, which, I believe, laid the foundation for future success," he said. 

He, along with Mike Tracy, played a pivotal role in the pilot engineering office at Kellerman Mine. This program proved highly successful and became the standard for all future Drummond mines.

In 1978, Bradley's dedication earned him a promotion to Resident Engineer at the Cedrum Mine in Townley. There, he oversaw the co-development of mine plans using large-scale dragline surface mines. He successfully gained approval for relocating Lost Creek, covering a drainage area of approximately 100 square miles.

Bradley's talents continued to shine as he advanced to Senior Mining Engineer in 1981. He oversaw surface mine engineering for multiple operations in Alabama and beyond. Notably, he designed the Pajuil Impoundment and Diversion for the LaLoma Project.

Seven years later, Bradley became a Project Engineer in Lakeland, Florida. His responsibilities included projects such as the Grasslands Golf Course and Oakbridge Real Estate and Commercial Development. Bradley's expertise extended to wetlands construction, stormwater design, residential development, and landfill reclamation.

The year 1991 saw Bradley's return to the role of Senior Mining Engineer, working in West Virginia, Kentucky, and Wyoming. He introduced innovative geotechnical and hydrological designs and obtained approval from the Alabama Surface Mining Commission for a novel sediment pond design method that brought cost savings and enhanced functionality, efforts that earned him industry recognition.

The following year, Bradley assumed the role of Construction Manager at Liberty Park in Birmingham and, along with John Rogers, oversaw the Old Overton Golf Course project.

"I enjoyed working on the golf courses, especially Old Overton. We built roads, lakes, and the golf course," Bradley explains. "Then, a golf course company would come behind us and make everything look like it needed to. We did the heavy lifting, however. It was still a hard job, but in the end, it was enjoyable to work with co-designers Jerry Pate and Tom Fazio."

Bradley continued to rise within the industry, becoming Senior Projects Engineer for Drummond Company in 1995. His influence extended to international projects, including mine planning and budgeting in Colombia, South America, and the design to divert the Rio Paquil. 

"In 1999, I transitioned my focus to Colombia, becoming Drummond's Manager of Colombian Expansion," he says. "In this role, I navigated government approvals and permits to expand the mine." 

The following year, Bradley left Drummond Company to join Taft Coal as their Manager of Engineering. His responsibilities included expanding the company, overseeing construction projects, and managing subcontractor work.

Six years later, he assumed the General Manager of Engineering role at Walter Minerals, Inc. His responsibilities expanded to oversee the construction of 80 sedimentary ponds and develop strategies for offsite mitigation.

In 2013, Bradley moved into a corporate role as the Environmental Director for Walter Energy Inc. He ensured environmental compliance, conducted audits, and developed emissions and stormwater inspection programs.

Bradley actively contributed to national mining associations throughout his career, further cementing his reputation as an industry leader. His final industry role was as Senior Environmental Engineer for Warrior Met Coal.

Now, in his well-deserved retirement spent in Tuscaloosa County with his wife Luajuana, Bradley cherishes the memories of an accomplished career that spanned decades and geographies and left an enduring legacy in the world of coal. 78