© 2024 Wyoming Public Media
800-729-5897 | 307-766-4240
Wyoming Public Media is a service of the University of Wyoming
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
Transmission & Streaming Disruptions

Wyoming Coal Mines Sold Off

Two of Wyoming’s coal mines are changing ownership. Contura Energy has sold Eagle Butte and Belle Ayr coal mines to a private company called Blackjewel LLC.

Contura Energy is a relatively new company, formed 16 months ago after acquiringsome of Alpha Natural Resources best assets. Alpha declared bankruptcy in August 2015.  The two coal mines now being sold by a Contura subsidiary were the company’s most productive, but not most profitable mines.

In a press release, Contura admitted they would lose money on this deal, but could make the loss up in tax write-offs.  The company will also transfer about $200 million in required clean-up costs for the mines to Blackjewel.  

Blackjewel is a private company with little public information available. Contura didn’t return calls for comment, and it’s not known whether there will be layoffs or management changes at the mines where there were 570 people were employed as of September. 

Related Content