The American Coal Company Sues Federal Mine Safety and Health Administration for Unlawful Regulation

The American Coal Company (American Coal) filed suit against the federal Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) for numerous violations of federal law and MSHA’s own regulations in inspections at the company’s Galatia Mining Complex, a complex of three separate mines in Saline County, Illinois. The suit, filed in the Southern District Court of Illinois, follows a series of complaints by the... 

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New mine could provide 350 jobs

Franklin County, long a main cog in the Illinois coal market, has been without a working mine for nearly a decade. But it appears that bleak picture is about to change. James Morris, vice president with Williamson Energy Development, spoke to the Franklin County Board Monday night and provided details about a proposed coal mine near Akin that could provide 350 jobs. The mine is scheduled to begin construction... 

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In Second Coal Rush, New Mind-Set in the Mines

Billy Vandom was 220 feet underground, but to him, it was the top of the world. He is a coal miner, a species of well-paid American worker that was on the verge of extinction in these parts for more than a decade. Now global economic forces have realigned, and coal mining is back. And a new generation of miners is living the good life not seen here since coal was king. “I was able to buy me a... 

Tag: active illinois coal mines

Coal mining engineer discusses issues of concern

Mining coal in a prospective area north of Canton and east of Brereton may create 40 good-paying jobs and spin off up to 200 more jobs in support of the operation. To move the proposal forward, environmental issues must be addressed and satisfied. One issue of concern is the watershed for Canton Lake. Most of the 1,085-acre site for which a permit for a surface coal mine is being sought lies within... 

Angleton: Haven’t Felt This Good About Illinois Coal in a Long Time

With the announcement on Tuesday that two Illinois communities are in the final running for FutureGen–a $1 billion low-pollution coal-fired power plant–things are looking up for the state’s coal industry. “For coal in general, I think we’re seeing a major upturn,” said Joe Angleton of Du Quoin, current director of the Office of Miners and Minerals of the Illinois... 

Coal conversion plant gets boost

Plans for a $1.3 billion plant that would convert Illinois coal into synthetic natural gas are moving ahead now that two energy companies have pledged to buy much of the gas, officials announced Thursday. Ameren Corp. and Nicor Gas Inc. reached 20-year deals with project developer Power Holdings LLC to buy roughly two-thirds of the gas produced by the plant, which promises nearly 1,500 jobs —...