PinnOak Resources announced this week the company had received approval of its plan for mine rescuers to enter the mine.
Mine Rescue personnel, consisting of trained PinnOak employees as well as representatives from the U.S. Mining Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) and the West Virginia Office of Miners Health Safety and Training, entered the mine at
approximately 4 p.m. (eastern time) on Sunday to examine and assess the conditions underground.
“We are very excited about this positive development. After diligent work with MSHA, the state and the UMWA (United Mine Workers of America) we have successfully implemented an agreed-upon plan to reenter the mine,” said PinnOak Resources CEO Benjamin Statler.
“Today’s agreement by all parties to reenter the Pinnacle mine with a coordinated team of mine rescue personnel is an important first step toward reopening the mine and resuming operations. We look forward to getting our employees back to work and to
supplying our customers,” he said.
The Pinnacle mine produced 3.5 million tons of metallurgical coal in 2002. The facility includes a longwall mine with an onsite preparation plant.
Pinnacle has been idle since September 1, 2003, after a disruption of the mine’s ventilation system, believed to have been caused by a lightning strike.
Approximately 85% of its production is under contract, mainly with domestic and international steel buyers.
