The West Virginia Surface Mine Board last week upheld the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection’s May 2009 decision to give the deep mine complex’s permit, operated by the producer’s subsidiary ICG Tygart Valley, the green light.

Tygart had already received all necessary federal and state approvals to proceed with construction – including the Army Corps of Engineers’ Section 404 permit and a surface mining permit from the WVDEP – but progress was delayed by obstacles filed by local anti-mining organizations.

Officials said that the WVSMB determined the groups’ objections relating to the potential for post-mining water quality problems were sufficiently addressed in the permit, and that the WVDEP had properly reinstated it.

"We are pleased the Surface Mine Board agrees that our Tygart No. 1 mine plan is environmentally responsible and meets all state regulatory requirements," ICG president Ben Hatfield said.

"Our current business plan anticipates that we will resume construction on the Tygart project in mid-2011, with early development production projected for late 2012."

At prime output levels, ICG anticipates the Tygart complex will produce about 3.5 million tons of high-quality thermal and premium high-volatile metallurgical coal with a staff of 380.

According to permit records, the producer anticipates Tygart’s lifespan to extend more than 12 years.

ICG has 13 active complexes in northern and central Appalachia as well as the Illinois Basin.