Water problems force layoff at American Coal

Water problems force layoff at American Coal's Millennium Portal

Washington DC (Platts)--19Nov2004


Chronic water infiltration problems at American Coal's Millennium Portal
operation in Galatia, Ill., forced the Robert Murray-owned company to
temporarily lay off about 200 employees  nearly a third of the mines work
force  on Thursday.

Since it opened more than two years ago as part of AmCoals Galatia underground
mining complex, Millennium has been plagued by geological woes, mainly water
and roof falls. The company continually pumps water from Millennium.

A Murray Energy spokesman in Alledonia, Ohio, told Platts Coal Trader Friday
that Millennium was on a reduced work schedule for the week leading up to the
layoff, though no details were given. The company blamed the layoff on adverse
mining conditions that the longwall has encountered. The company declined
further comment except to say AmCoal hopes to recall all the furloughed
workers in the next two months.

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