Mine to Access Nearly 3,000 Acres of Coal Reserves
HARRISBURG, Pa., Dec. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- The Pennsylvania Department of
Environmental Protection today issued a permit to Amfire Mining Co. to open
a new underground coal mine in Cresson Township, Cambria County.
The permit authorizes Amfire Mining of Latrobe, Westmoreland County to
conduct room-and-pillar mining in 2,929.4 acres of the Upper Freeport Coal
Seam. The company also will use nearly 73 surface acres for water treatment
facilities and other support activities.
"Pennsylvania's mines produced more than 81 million tons of coal in
2005 -- that represents a significant contribution to our economy and
enhances our commonwealth's position as a national leader in the production
of coal for energy and metallurgy," DEP Secretary Kathleen A. McGinty said.
"Our department will continue to ensure that mining companies maintain the
highest standards of environmental protection and miner safety as they
harvest this natural resource."
The mine portal will be located in Cresson Township. Surface mine
inspectors from DEP's Cambria District Mining Office will monitor water and
air quality at the site to ensure that mining activities do not negatively
affect area streams and water supplies, or the health and safety of nearby
residents.
Once mining begins, DEP's Bureau of Mine Safety will conduct regular,
intensive underground inspections to help Amfire Mining comply with
Pennsylvania's strict mine safety laws to protect the safety of underground
miners.
Room-and-pillar mining is a traditional mining method in which miners
leave pillars of coal to support the roof and prevent subsidence as mining
progresses.
The Upper Freeport Coal Seam is present throughout much of western
Pennsylvania, having an average thickness of four feet in the permitted
area.
The company has three years to activate the permit and begin mining
activities. Underground mine permits must be renewed every five years.
For more information on underground mining in Pennsylvania, visit DEP's
Web site at http://www.depweb.state.pa.us, Keyword: "Mine Safety."
CONTACT: Tom Rathbun, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental
Protection, +1-717-787-1323.
SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection
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Related links:
http://www.depweb.state.pa.us
CONTACT:
Tom Rathbun, Pennsylvania Department of
Environmental Protection, +1-717-787-1323
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