September 07, 2008

CONSOL files plan to re enter idle mine in Buchanan County

It is reported that Consol Energy has recently submitted a plan to state and federal mining regulators outlining how it wants to re enter an underground coal mine that was idled after a suspected fire in the Buchanan County operation in early July.

Mr Mike Abbott spokesman for the Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy confirmed that Consol submitted a re entry plan. DMME will study it before a decision is made. According to a Consol news release, the company submitted a similar plan to the federal Mine Safety and Health Administration.

Consol evacuated its Buchanan Mine on July 9th 2007 when roof falls happened in a portion of the mine that was no longer being mined. The cave in disrupted the air flow and air quality readings indicated a probable blaze in that portion.

Consol officials said all but one of the 99 monitoring stations where elevated levels of carbon monoxide were detected showed normal ranges for gases. Also, no evidence of smoke or elevated temperatures was detected in the mine.

The company restarted nitrogen injection into three bore holes in an area that had an elevated carbon monoxide reading. Officials said the nitrogen injection will continue for a week to 10 days and the mine atmosphere will be re-evaluated. In addition, the company will drill one or two new bore holes to provide for a closer spacing and additional evaluation of the mine atmosphere in the affected area. The mine continues to be ventilated.