Mines in the Four Corners anticipate growth

Journal Article · Fri Feb 15 04:00:00 EST 2008 · Coal Age

OSTI ID:21017106

Buchsbaum, L

Productive mines in the southwest deplete reserves, while the government drags its heels on new power projects. Production in Arizona and New Mexico has fallen 18% over the last four years to 34.1 million tons. With Chevron Mining's McKinley mine rapidly depleting its reserves the industry will continue to contract. In the last three years at least three large mines in the Four Corners have terminated operations. Three others remain captive operations: BHP Billiton's San Juan Underground and Navajo Surface operations and Peabody Energy's Kayenta surface mine. In 2006 the Black Mesa mine stopped producing coal. These four mines are isolated from the national railways. Peabody's new El Segundo surface mine near Grants, NM is increasing production. If the planned $3 billion Desert Rock coal-fired power plant is built this will present a new market for the Navajo mine. The article gives details about the state of the aforementioned mines and of the new King II coal mine on the northern periphery of the San Juan basin and discusses the state of plans for the Desert Rock Energy Project. 5 photos.

• OSTI ID: 21017106
• Journal Information: Coal Age, Journal Name: Coal Age Journal Issue: 20 Vol. 113; ISSN 0009-9910; ISSN COLAA7
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

01 COAL, LIGNITE, AND PEAT
ARIZONA
COAL
COAL MINES
FOSSIL-FUEL POWER PLANTS
NEW MEXICO
SURFACE MINING
USA