AEC cited “unforeseen geological conditions” as reason for the Millennium closure, which represented about one-third of the operation’s production, according to The Southern Illinoisan.
While AEC president Robert Murray said the closing in the number five seam was permanent, meaning about 28% of the workforce is now unemployed, he was confident that those receiving pink slips would be called back.
He told the local paper the Millennium Portal Mine in the number five seam was permanently closed, but the Millennium Portal Mine in the number six seam would reopen.
The Millennium Portal, a $US46 million endeavor, opened in mid-2001 to increase reserve access. The Galatia Mine, a 17,000-acre operation with a reserve of 125Mt, opened in 1980 and is the fourth largest US coal producer.
