coal mining

Audit Finds Lack of Mine Inspectors in Illinois

Whitney Jones and The Associated Press — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 11:44:42 +0000

State auditors say the Illinois Department of Natural Resources didn't employ enough mine-safety inspectors the past two years to comply with state law.

An Illinois Auditor General's report released yesterday says the department had 10 inspectors for more than 40 mines. The state Coal Mining Act calls for at least 16 inspectors.

Patriot Coal Agrees to Close Mountaintop Removal Mines

Erica Peterson (KPR) — Fri, 16 Nov 2012 13:36:28 +0000

A St. Louis-based coal company with mines throughout the region has agreed to phase out its mountaintop removal sites. Patriot Coal agreed to the measure as part of a settlement that grants the company more time to control water pollution at its mines in West Virginia.

Hanson Mining Ordinance Under Review

Angela Hatton — Thu, 30 Aug 2012 17:38:08 +0000

The Hopkins County Joint Planning Commission is reviewing the city of Hanson’s laws to allow mining within city limits. The city passed an ordinance in 1990 banning mining. But Mayor Charles Young says Alliance Coal has purchased land within city limits, and the city commission wants to allow them to use the land for underground mining.

Pleasant Ridge community reacts to proposed surface mine next to Girl Scout camp

Rose Krzton-Presson — Tue, 28 Aug 2012 16:43:48 +0000

Proposed zoning for a surface mine is causing quite a stir in Daviess County, Kentucky. The mine would be in a rural area outside of Owensboro called Pleasant Ridge- where mining has existed for decades. This mine, though, would be located next to a Girl Scout camp. Rose Krzton-Presson explores what this means not only for the camp, but for Pleasant Ridge, Owensboro, and Daviess County’s economic growth in recent years.

Keith Hall Raising Eyebrows for Participating in Kentucky - India Coal Deal

Erica Peterson (KPR) — Sun, 19 Aug 2012 14:00:33 +0000

The involvement of a state representative in a major coal deal in Kentucky is raising some eyebrows. Under the terms of a new $7 billion contract, Kentucky coal producers will ship nine million tons of coal a year to India for the next twenty-five years.

Coal Association Applauds Federal Ruling

Dan Conti (KPR) and Angela Hatton — Wed, 01 Aug 2012 17:03:48 +0000

Kentucky Coal Association President Bill Bissett is applauding a federal court ruling that found the EPA overstepped its authority in establishing water quality criteria for consideration of mining permits. He calls the decision Tuesday by U. S. District Judge Reggie Walton “a victory for all of Kentucky and West Virginia.”

Patriot Coal Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy

Erica Peterson (KPR) — Tue, 10 Jul 2012 16:08:32 +0000

A major coal company with mines in Appalachia and Western Kentucky has filed for bankruptcy. In a news release, Patriot Coal said it was undertaking the move to facilitate restructuring.