Coal

BHP Billiton Mitsubishi Alliance will close the Gregory opencast coal mine as low coal prices continue to hurt the industry.

The American Coalition for Clean Coal Electricity has released analysis that shows 204 coal-fired generating units are scheduled for shutdown due, in part, to regulations issued by the EPA.

US coal miner, Patriot Coal, which filed for bankruptcy in July, has announced further temporary reductions to coal production across three West Virginian coal mines.

Gordon Cope asks whether US coal can recover from the twin threats of slowing demand and rising gas use.

A new report from Pricewaterhouse Coopers has highlighted the economic and social benefits of the Canadian coal industry – benefits that were revealed to be greater than expected.

Vale has lifted force majeure at the Carborough Downs metallurgical coal operation in the Bowen basin in Queensland.

August 2012: Culture changes in the work place can lead to tangible changes in productivity and profit if managed correctly.

A year on from the initial announcement, Robin Cohen, Deloitte LLP, UK, outlines the UK Electricity Market Reform and its potential impacts on coal-fired power generation.

Barry Baxter reports on the debate over mine nationalisation in South Africa.

Coal mining in the UK has received a boost after planning permission was granted for the extraction of coal in Northumberland. Mining operations are now expected to begin next year.

July 2012: when mining companies make acquisitions, the focus is on the plant and equipment and this means the attendant workforce can be neglected.

Solid Energy has completed its purchase of the assets of Pike River Coal Ltd with the final US$ 5 million tranche of the US$ 7.5 million purchase price now paid.

TROLEXPERT is a new information source for the coal and mining industry from Trolex Ltd and Energy Global. Each month will provide answers to topical questions and challenges facing the industry. This month, TROLEXPERT asks: what is the importance of methane concentration when looking to extract and exploit methane technology projects?

South Africa’s potential as one of the great producers and exporters of coal is being constantly hampered by a thorny combination of policy decisions, poor infrastructure and global economic conditions. Barry Baxter reports.

Kevin S. Crutchfield, CEO of Alpha Natural Resources, US, offers his view of the future and importance of coal in the US.