Coal producer Foresight Energy has received approval for its plan to re-enter and restore power to a portion of the Deer Run Mine near Hillsboro, Illinois, US, which was evacuated in April due to high carbon monoxide levels.
Approval was given by the Federal Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) and the State of Illinois Department of Natural Resources’ Office of Mines and Minerals (IDNR).
In April, the US-based company announced that carbon monoxide readings in excess of actionable levels were detected in the Deer Run Mine.
The company then expected to resume mining activity at the mine after MSHA determines that conditions are safe.
The incident did not impact any coal deliveries due to availability of sufficient inventory at the mine, the company said.
Following approval, Foresight personnel will be able to assess the ventilation and longwall mining systems and address any needed rehabilitation to the underground facilities.
Prior to approving Foresight’s plan, MSHA and IDNR officials evaluated the mine atmosphere thoroughly.
The re-entry plan will require mine personnel to continue to monitor air quality in accordance with sampling protocols.
In order to fully restart normal mining operations at the Deer Run Mine, Foresight said it will continue to work with regulatory agencies.
Foresight, which serves both the domestic and international markets, has control of more than three billion tonnes of coal reserves that are currently supporting four mining complexes.
