Coal news and updates

The Navajo Transitional Energy Company has finalized its ownership of coals mines in Wyoming and in Montana.

In August, NTEC purchased the Antelope and Cordero Rojo mines in Wyoming and the Spring Creek Mine in Montana from Cloud Peak Energy, which filed bankruptcy earlier in the year.

The acquisition was completed on Oct. 23, according to an Oct. 24 press release by NTEC.

The release mentions that while the company hoped for a smooth transition for the mining operations, the Spring Creek Mine has stopped production due to permitting issues with the Montana Department of Environmental Quality.

The department denied an operating permit this week to NTEC, which is an enterprise of the Navajo Nation.

The department is seeking a limited wavier of sovereign immunity to comply with state environmental laws regarding mining operations and reclamation.

Both parties are continuing to discuss the matter, according to the release.

Spring Creek Mine is located near the Montana and Wyoming state line and it is the largest mine operation in the state, according to the DEQ.

The Billings Gazette reported that 300 workers are affected by the closure.

NTEC stated in its release that it will continue to work with the DEQ to resolve the matter.

In an Oct. 23 letter by the DEQ, the department stated it is not "disparaging or diminishing the efforts of NTEC to provide DEQ an acceptable waiver."

 

Source : https://www.daily-times.com