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World’s largest mine ships its 2 billionth short ton of coal

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World Coal,


Peabody Energy’s flagship North Antelope Rochelle mine (NARM) – the world’s largest and most productive coal mine – has shipped its 2 billionth ton of coal.

The mine is located in Wyoming’s Southern Powder River Basin and routinely ships more coal than most nations and produces some of the lowest sulfur coal in the world.

NARM achieved its first billion ton milestone in 2006, 23 years after operations began, and reached the second billion ton milestone just nine years later.

“2 000 000 000 tons makes for a lot of zeroes… and a lot of low-cost, reliable electricity to power homes and businesses all across the country,” commented Peabody President of the Americas Kemal Williamson. “As the world’s largest and most productive coal mine, North Antelope Rochelle produces nearly 15% of the coal used for generation in the SU and by itself fuels 5% of the electricity used in the US – over eight times more than all the solar power in the country. Thanks to the more than 1400 employees of North Antelope Rochelle for helping to power the US economy and family budgets.”

More than 83 million employee hours were involved reaching the 2 billion ton milestone, with employees loading more than 17 million railcars and more than 125 000 trains. If each train were connected end-to-end it would form a 177 500 mile-long train stretching more than seven times around the earth.

The North Antelope Mine began operating in 1983, with the Rochelle Mine beginning production in late 1985. The two mines were combined in 1999. Coal from the complex is delivered to more than 40 electricity generating customers operating more than 80 power plants throughout the US.

Edited from press release by Harleigh Hobbs

Read the article online at: https://www.worldcoal.com/mining/21012016/world-largest-mine-ships-its-2-billionth-short-ton-of-coal-87/

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