Partial structural failure at Elk Creek coal complex confirmed
Published by Nicholas Woodroof,
Editor
World Coal,
The damaged storage silo holds approximately 2000 raw t of coal. The other two contiguous silos together hold approximately an additional 1500 raw t of coal.
The company is in the process of evaluating the structural integrity of the damaged silo, and similar evaluations will be conducted on the other two silos at Elk Creek. All three silos were previously existing on the Elk Creek property when it was acquired by Ramaco in 2012, and were subsequently linked into the newly constructed preparation plant and loadout facility, which was completed in late 2017.
There were no personnel related accidents as a result of the structural failure at the silo. Upon confirmation of the failure, company personnel idled the Elk Creek preparation plant, and placed a safety zone around the areas that could potentially be impacted from a more severe failure. At this early initial stage of review, Ramaco does not have an estimated time frame for the resumption of processing or shipping coal from the Elk Creek infrastructure. All coal mines at Elk Creek will, however, continue to operate as scheduled. Depending on the extent of the damage, Ramaco currently estimates that there is adequate storage area to continue coal production at the mine complex for an extended period of time, likely into December and possibly further.
The company has not at this time issued any force majeure notices to its customers, but it is probable that such notices will be issued in the near future. Ramaco believes that it has insurance policies in place to provide adequate financial coverage for the incident, including both business interruption and extra expenses. Additional information relating to the physical condition of the silo assets, insurance coverage and any potential force majeure will be forthcoming as new information is developed. Any such additional new information will be relayed in conjunction with Ramaco’s scheduled earnings release on 7 November and its subsequent conference call with investors to be held on 8 November.
Read the article online at: https://www.worldcoal.com/coal/07112018/partial-structural-failure-at-elk-creek-coal-complex-confirmed/
You might also like
EIA reduces its forecast for US coal exports following Port of Baltimore closure
The US EIA has decreased its forecast for US coal exports following the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge and the resulting closure of the Port of Baltimore.