Coal news and updates

Coal production at Spring Creek mine in Montana can resume after the state approved a short-term agreement with its new owners.The Montana Department of Environmental Quality Friday said with a signed waiver in place, it was able to accept the Farmington, New Mexico-based Navajo Transitional Energy as a contract miner, responsible for day-to-day operations at the mine, under state laws.

"While better planning and coordination by NTEC could have prevented costly and avoidable impacts to workers, I am very pleased we were able to reach this short-term agreement that will allow miners to get back to work at the mine while ensuring protection of Montana's environment," said DEQ director Shaun McGrath in a statement late Friday. "MT DEQ looks forward to building a productive relationship with NTEC that allows for the continued responsible operation of the Spring Creek Mine."

Calls and emails to NTEC officials were not returned Monday.NETC, which is wholly-owned by the Navajo Nation, said it ceased operations at the mine last Thursday after taking ownership of it from Colorado-based Cloud Peak Energy, which sold the mine as part of its ongoing bankruptcy reorganization.

At issue was the Navajo Nation's sovereign immunity rights, which could have prevented the state from enforcing state laws. NETC said last week it had agreed to a partial waiver, allowing it to be regulated under state laws.

Spring Creek produced 13.8 million st in 2018, according to US Mine Safety and Health Administration data. Coal from Spring Creek is also exported to Asia through Westshore Terminals in Vancouver.

NTEC also acquired the Antelope and Cordero Rojo mines in Wyoming as part of Cloud Peak's bankruptcy restructuring. The acquisitions were finalized Wednesday.

The company said last week that operations at its newly-acquired Wyoming mines are 

Source : https://www.spglobal.com