New coal mine planned in Western Kentucky

New coal mine planned in Western Kentucky

A Western Kentucky coal mine operator is seeking permits to open a new mine in the region before the end of the decade.

Pact Resources LLC wants to open an underground mine near Sebree that could employ up to 140 miners, according to a statement by Ron Siler, co-owner of the Henderson-based company.

Pact Resources hopes to begin construction in 12 to 14 months, with initial coal production expected to begin in 2009, according to a statement distributed last week by the Northwestern Kentucky Forward regional economic development organization.

Siler formed Pact Resources in 2003 with a partner, Gregory P. Cantrell of Georgetown, Ind., the former director of corporate fuels and byproducts for LG&E Energy Inc.

Pact Resources controls 90 million tons of coal through a combination of leases, options and direct ownership.

“This mine is conservatively projected to produce 1.5 million tons of coal each year with a projected mine life expectancy of 20 to 25 years,” according to the statement.

Webster County Judge-Executive Jim Townsend applauded the news.

“We are always excited when new jobs come to Webster County, but especially so when the company is based in our region,” he said in a statement.

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