Wyoming's 1st major coal mine in decades clears council
CHEYENNE -- A state environmental review board voted Wednesday to allow Wyoming's first major coal mine in decades to proceed despite the objections of another coal company.
Amid competition from natural gas and tougher environmental regulations, coal mines tend to be cutting back production or even shutting down — not opening anew. Kentucky-based Ramaco's relatively small Brook Mine would buck that trend but has faced opposition from another company and a ranch.
The Wyoming Environmental Quality Council voted unanimously to allow Ramaco to go ahead despite the Big Horn Coal Company's objections.
Ramaco hopes to begin digging a few miles north of Sheridan by early next year, CEO Randall Atkins said.
Read more: http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/wyomings-1st-major-coal-mine-decades-clears-council-42429975