October 11, 2008

Consol Energy to begin temporary sealing of Buchanan Mine

Pittsburgh based Consol Energy Inc said that it plans to temporarily seal its Buchanan Mine until early January 2008, to comply with safety regulations.

Earlier this month, Consol Energy had said it was uncertain when federal safety officials would permit production to restart at the mine near Mavisdale in Virginia, which has been idled more than four months after a series of roof collapses.

Consol Energy said the temporary closure is a safety requirement, as a final step prior to reentry in order to ensure that the mine atmosphere is inert and incapable of supporting combustion.