This article is 19 years old. Images might not display.
The operation’s ventilation system is now running and the process of re-powering equipment has begun.
The mine was evacuated after levels in a mined-out area jumped to unsafe levels during November. At the time Arch said the re-start would only be several weeks away.
“While there is still a significant amount of work to be done, we are pleased to report that we have made solid progress toward [a] safe restart,” Arch Coal chief John Eaves said.
The process of repair, dewatering and seal construction are now underway on an around-the-clock basis, the company said, and it anticipates a crew may be able to enter within 10 days to recommence a longwall move that was aborted in early November.
The longwall area and equipment were isolated as nitrogen, foam and water were pumped into the affected area following the incident.
The idling of West Elk significantly impacted Arch’s bottom line in its final quarter of 2005, costing an estimated $US25 to $US35 million pre-tax, but the company plans to recover costs through a claim via its property and business interruption insurance.
The West Elk operation produces more than 6Mtpa, and Arch Coal is the second largest coal producer in the US.
