EPA Publication 430R08001
U.S. Surface Coal Mine Methane Recovery Project
Opportunities
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
July 10, 2008
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
This draft was prepared under U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Contract EP-W-05-063 by
Raven Ridge Resources, Incorporated.
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Frequently Used Terms 4
Frequently Used Abbreviations 5
Executive Summary 6
1. Introduction 7
2. Surface Mine Methane Projects and Opportunities 10
Jacobs Ranch 12
Black Thunder 15
North Antelope Rochelle 18
Caballo 21
Cordero Rojo Complex 24
Antelope 27
Eagle Butte 30
Belle Ayr 33
Buckskin 36
Rosebud 39
References 42
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Frequently Used Terms
Coalbed methane: Methane that resides within coal seams.
Coal mine methane: As coal mining proceeds, methane contained in the coal and surrounding
strata may be released. This methane is referred to as coal mine methane since its liberation
resulted from mining activity.
Degasification system: A system that facilitates the removal of methane gas from a mine by
ventilation and/or by drainage. However, the term is most commonly used to refer to removal of
methane by drainage technology.
Drainage system: A system that drains methane from coal seams and/or surrounding rock
strata. These systems include vertical pre-mine wells, gob wells and in-mine boreholes.
Methane emissions: This is the total amount of methane that is not used and therefore emitted
to the atmosphere. Methane emissions are calculated by subtracting the amount of methane
used from the amount of methane liberated (emissions = liberated - recovered/used).
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Frequently Used Abbreviations
b Billion (109)
Btu British Thermal Unit
cf Cubic Feet
CH4
CBM
CMM
CO2
EPA
GWP
m (or M)
mm (or MM)
MSHA
NA
PRB
t
Methane
Coalbed Methane
Coal Mine Methane
Carbon Dioxide
Environmental Protection Agency
Global Warming Potential
Thousand (103)
Million (106)
Mine Safety and Health Administration
Not Available
Powder River Basin
ton (short tons are used throughout this report)
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Executive Summary
EPA has recently begun exploring the significance of methane emissions from active surface
mines in the US, including the potential for recovering methane from these mines. In 2005, EPA
funded an assessment of emissions from US surface mines that reviewed available technologies
for estimating surface mine emissions, made specific recommendations for improving the
parameters used to calculate surface mine emissions, and identified the Powder River Basin as
the most promising coal basin for potential mine-specific methane recovery project opportunities.
This report expands upon that work by developing profiles of ten potentially promising sites for
project opportunities as well as identifying an existing surface mine methane project.
A number of constraints were encountered in collecting data for this report. Due to today's
climate related to homeland security in the United States, pipeline maps and information were not
available for a public report of this nature. This prohibits specific pipeline data from being
published at this time.
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1. Introduction
There are three potential sources of fugitive methane emissions associated with surface coal
mining. These are:
• Methane emitted by the coal excavated and processed during mining activities
• Methane emitted by the coal and other gas bearing strata in the overburden and/or
underburden exposed by mining activities
• Methane emitted by the overburden coal excavated and stored on site in waste piles
For methane emissions covered by the first point above, the available methane emitted by the
excavated and processed coal is the estimated total gas content of the material excavated. For
the second and third points above, the available methane is more uncertain as it depends on a
variety of factors such as gas content and thickness of the adjacent coal seams, permeability of
the coals and other strata found in the overburden and underburden, overburden thickness, and
the amount of disturbance to the mine floor and highwall as a result of mining.
The gas in coal and associated strata may be released during different stages in mining.
Excavated coal will release methane as it is broken and removed from the highwall face,
transported on site, and crushed and sized for transportation off-site. Overburden, inter-burden
and uneconomic coal is normally dumped together with non-coal material in waste piles. The
methane contained in these coals will be released as the material is excavated, broken, dumped,
and later used as backfill.
In addition, methane emissions will also migrate out of the floor and highwall of the surface mine.
The magnitude of the floor emissions will depend on several factors such as:
• gas content of the unmined coal beneath the mine floor
• proximity of the coal seams to the mine floor
• extent of disturbance of the coal and the effect this has on its permeability
• amount of coal left in the floor
• presence of water
The magnitude of emissions from the highwall will similarly depend on
• gas content of the unmined coal remaining in the highwall
• extent of disturbance of the coal near the highwall and the impact this has on the
permeability
• presence of water
Currently, surface coal mines account for 67% of U.S. coal production, but constitute only 16% of
the coal mine methane emissions. This primary reason for this is due to the relatively low gas
content of the coals that are mined from surface mines. The low gas content of these coal seams
is likely related to the shallow depth of burial, and the fact that some are lower rank with
commensurately lower gas adsorption capacity. Gas contents used in estimating emissions from
surface mines are based on a variety of studies. Average in-situ gas content values are assigned
on a basin-specific basis and range from 5.6 cf/ton to 74.5 cf/ton.
Unlike underground mines, for which degasification and ventilation emissions data is readily
available, mine-specific emissions measurements are generally not measured for surface mines
because no measurements are required for safety reasons due to the low risk of accidents
resulting from excessive methane concentrations. The current approach used for estimating
surface mine methane emissions is to apply a country or basin-specific emission factor to the
amount of coal produced. As a result, emissions from surface mines (and post-mining activities)
are calculated by multiplying basin-specific coal production by a basin-specific gas content and
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then by the country-specific emission factor to determine methane emissions. The emission
factor currently used by the U.S. is based on 200% of the in-situ gas content of the coal.1 Mines
in the Powder River Basin (PRB) are the most productive surface mines in the U.S. and thus
estimated to be the highest emitters of surface mine methane.
Since the 1990s, the PRB has been the focus of massive coalbed methane development efforts.
Methane recovery at these mine sites would make a significant contribution towards mitigating
methane emissions from surface mines.
The PRB has estimated methane reserves of 25 trillion cubic feet. The coalbed methane industry
in the basin is flourishing as the number of producing wells has climbed to over 21,000 by the end
of 2004, while in the mid-1990s, the basin had only 4,000 wells. With the methane industry
thriving, coalbed methane development in the form of surface mine pre-drainage could make a
sizeable contribution to methane recovery.
Realistically, the only feasible type of methane recovery to be deployed at surface mines is pre-
mine drainage. Because of their proximity to existing CBM production wells, any pre-drainage
wells placed in advance of the coal mining operations could be connected to an existing gas
pipeline infrastructure. Many of the surface mines in the PRB require dewatering wells in
advance of mining. It is also possible that some of the dewatering wells could be converted to
methane production wells once the water table has been drawn down ahead of the highwall. Due
to the high permeability of the PRB coals, only vertical CBM-type wells are feasible to use to
degas coals ahead of mining, since nearly all of the gas within 2000 feet of the highwall has
already been released.
Issues in the Powder River Basin
Co-developing mineral resources in the PRB must be considered in the context of this report.
The PRB has experienced a particularly dramatic increase in coalbed methane exploration and
development. It contains the largest coal reserves of any basin in the United States. Over 90% of
the Basin's coal estate is in Federal ownership and accounts for one-third of all U.S. coal
production. About 45% of the oil and gas estate (including coalbed methane) in the PRB is under
Federal ownership. Conflict has surrounded the development of CBM resources in the PRB in
recent years.
A major clash has occurred between coal licensees and oil and gas developers. Commonly in
the PRB, resource ownership is a "split estate" issue where the surface owner may not own the
mineral rights below. Much of the mineral rights in the basin are owned by BLM and leased to
private companies. Most federal oil and gas leases in the PRB are senior to coal licenses;
however, at the time of overlapping licensure, extensive CBM development was not anticipated.
In the past, traditional oil and gas and coal conflicts generally involved oil and gas resources
contained in reservoirs much deeper than the coal, thereby allowing for development of coal
without loss of the oil and gas development. Since CBM is trapped within the coal seams and was
considered a valueless gas which escaped from coal, rather than part of the valuable coal fuel
itself, coal companies routinely vented the gas to the atmosphere. Rising interest in CBM
exploration and development as a result of new technology, a better understanding of the
resource and increasing energy demand has created a mineral conflict situation concerning
federal leases.
In order to optimize production of coal and CBM on federal lands, the Federal Bureau of Land
Management (BLM) has established Conflict Administration Zones (CAZ); which will encourage
pre-mine gas drainage prior to mining, resulting in reduced methane liberation during surface
mining. The CAZ typically includes areas located immediately west of the existing surface coal
Based on methodology currently employed for inventory purposes by USEPA. See page 3-40 of Inventory
of U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks: 1990-2004 (April 2006), USEPA # 430-R-06-002. Available
from http://www.epa.qov/climatechanqe/emissions/usinventorvreport.html
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mines in the Powder River Basin (PRB) that BLM has been identified as having the most potential
for conflict between CBM development and surface coal mine development. The CAZ includes
areas where surface mines will be mining coal within the next 10 years and where CBM
development is underway or anticipated. Each CAZ is reviewed annually to adjust its boundary.
BLM created the CAZ to:
• Prevent future conflicts on coal tracts that may be leased;
• Provide a timely notice to the coal and CBM lessees or operators prior to their planned
development of coal or CBM development to allow for enough time to resolve future
conflicts on coal tracts that may be leased; and
• Optimize federal coal and gas development.
Once the CAZ is identified, the CBM lessees or operators are notified that their oil and gas lease
is within the CAZ and informed of future mining activities. BLM requires the proper and timely
development of leased resources, the prevention of waste and proper abandonment of wells, and
the potential availability of incentives such as royalty rate reductions to encourage development.
Once a CAZ has been identified, BLM proceeds to:
• Review the status of all oil and gas leases within the CAZ for CBM development;
• Provide direction related to the development of the resources;
• Mitigate conflicts between surface coal mining and CBM operations; and
• Oversee public health, safety environmental impacts.
BLM may offer a royalty rate reduction to oil and gas lessees and allow these wells to be drilled
on 40 acre centers. Well spacing for CBM wells drilled in the PRB are typically 80 acre centers.
This provides additional gas drainage over a shorter period of time. BLM offers this incentive to
encourage CBM operators to drill wells and drain as much CBM as possible in the time available
to allow uninterrupted coal mining operations. This CAZ policy does not apply to oil and gas
wells which produce from deeper zones. To qualify for a royalty rate reduction the oil and gas
lessee must agree to the following:
• Expedite CBM production in a manner that will maximize the recovery of the resource
before required abandonment;
• Cease production operations and abandon wells and facilities at BLM's request prior to
the commencement of mining operations in the area of the CBM wells; and
• BLM will notify the oil and gas operator at least 180 days prior to the date when the well
should be abandoned.
Lessees with leases located on federal oil and gas property within a CAZ who agree to these
conditions are eligible fora 50 percent royalty rate reduction on CBM production for the remaining
life of the well. BLM has determined that without the royalty reductions recovery of valuable CBM
resources within the CAZ would not be maximized. The details of this program can be found in
BLM's Instruction Memorandum No. 2003-253, written August 21, 2003.
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2. Surface Mine Methane Projects and Opportunities
10
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Surface Mine Profiles
Using the current approach used for estimating surface mine methane emissions2, emissions for
each U.S. surface mine were calculated and then mines were sorted accordingly. The ten
gassiest surface mines were selected to be profiled below. One of these mines, the North
Antelope Rochelle Mine, already has a project in place. Each profile includes a mine map
showing coal lease areas, mined areas, and mines' relationship to the Conflict Administration
Zones (CAZ) discussed in Section 1.
The ten profiled mines are summarized in Table 2-1 below.
Table 2-1: Surface Mines Profiled
Mine Name
Jacobs Ranch
Black Thunder
North Antelope Rochelle
Caballo
Cordero Rojo Complex
Antelope
Eagle Butte
Belle Ayr
Buckskin
Rosebud
2007 Coal Production
(million short
tons/year)
38.1
86.2
91.5
31.2
40.5
34.5
25.0
26.6
25.3
12.6
2007 Estimated CMM
Emissions
(million cf/year)
1,524
3,448
3,661
1,247
1,619
1,379
999
1,064
1,011
503
All ten mines are located in the Powder River Basin (PRB) of Wyoming and Montana and account
for approximately half of all surface mine emissions in the U.S. Recovery of surface mine
methane in the PRB could add further success to the area's flourishing CBM industry as well as
mitigate substantial greenhouse gas emissions.
Based on methodology currently employed for inventory purposes by USEPA. See page 3-40 of Inventory
of U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks: 1990-2004 (April 2006), USEPA # 430-R-06-002. Available
from http://www.epa.qov/climatechanqe/emissions/usinventorvreport.html
11
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Updated:
7/10/2008
Jacobs Ranch
GEOGRAPHIC DATA
Basin: Powder River
Coalbed/Coal Seam:
CORPORATE INFORMATION
Current Owner: Jacobs Ranch Coal Company
Parent Company: Rio Tinto Energy America
Parent Company Web Site: www.kennecottenergy.com
Previous Owner: Kennecott Energy (name change)
Previous or Alternate Name of Mine: None
Status: Active
State: WY
County: Campbell
Contact Name: Lyle Randen, GM
Mailing Address: PO Box 3009
City: Gillette
Number of Employees at Mine: 557
Year of Initial Production: 1978
Life Expectancy:
Sulfur Content of Coal Produced: 0.21 - 0.65%
BTUs/lb of Coal Produced: 8,725 (average)
Overburden depth:
MINE ADDRESS
Phone Number: (307)939-1216
State: WY
ZIP: 82717
GENERAL INFORMATION
Mining Method: Truck/Shovel
Primary Coal Use: Steam
Seam Thickness (ft):
PRODUCTION, VENTILATION AND DRAINAGE DATA
2003 2004 2005
2006
2007
Coal Production (million short tons/year):
Estimated Total Methane Liberated (million cf/year)*:
Methane Recovered (million cf/day):
*Based on methodology currently employed for inventory purposes by USEPA. See page 3-40 of Inventory
of U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks: 1990-2004 (April 2006), USEPA # 430-R-06-002. Available
from http://www.epa.qov/climatechanqe/emissions/usinventorvreport.html.
35.5
1,420
0.0
38.6
1,542
0.0
37.3
1,491
0.0
40.0
1,600
0.0
38.1
1,524
0.0
12
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Jacobs Ranch (continued)
Pipeline Sales Potential
Description of Surrounding Terrain: Rolling hills
Transmission Pipeline in County? Yes
Owner of Nearest Pipeline: NA
Distance to Pipeline (miles): NA Pipeline Diameter: NA
Owner of Next Nearest Pipeline: NA
Distance to Next Nearest Pipeline (miles): NA Pipeline Diameter: NA
Other Utilization Possibilities
Name of Nearby Coal Fired Power Plant: None Distance to Plant (miles): NA
Comments:
13
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Figure 2-1: Map of Coal Lease Area at Jacobs Ranch Mine Provided by US BLM
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Jacobs Ranch
Jacobs Ranch Coal Co.
Subs d ary of:
RioTinto Energy America Inc.
EXPLANATION
ffTl] Mined Area
|^^| Coa Lease Pending
Conflict Administration Zone
CBM Wells
• Producng
• Spudded
• Shut n
H^ P ugged & Abandoned
1 M e 0 1 Mile
14
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Updated: 7/10/2008 Status: Active
Black Thunder
GEOGRAPHIC DATA
Basin: Powder River State: WY
Coalbed/Coal Seam: Wyodak-Anderson County: Campbell
CORPORATE INFORMATION
Current Owner: Thunder Basin Coal Company LLC
Parent Company: Arch Coal Inc.
Parent Company Web Site: www.archcoal.com
Previous Owner: None
Previous or Alternate Name of Mine: None
MINE ADDRESS
Contact Name: Phone Number: (307)939-1300
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 406
City: Wright State: WY ZIP: 82732
GENERAL INFORMATION
Number of Employees at Mine: 470 Mining Method: Dragline/truck
Year of Initial Production: 1976 Primary Coal Use: Steam
Life Expectancy: NA
Sulfur Content of Coal Produced: 0.21 - 0.42%
BTUs/lb of Coal Produced: 8,830 (average)
Overburden depth: NA Seam Thickness (ft): 70
PRODUCTION, VENTILATION AND DRAINAGE DATA
2003 2004 2005 2006 2007
Coal Production (million short tons/year): 62.6 72.2 87.6 92.6 86.2
Estimated Total Methane Liberated (million cf/year)*: 2,505 2,889 3,503 3,706 3,448
Methane Recovered (million cf/day): 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
*Based on methodology currently employed for inventory purposes by USEPA. See page 3-40 of Inventory
of U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks: 1990-2004 (April 2006), USEPA # 430-R-06-002. Available
from http://www.epa.qov/climatechanqe/emissions/usinventorvreport.html.
15
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Black Thunder (continued)
Pipeline Sales Potential
Description of Surrounding Terrain: Rolling hills
Transmission Pipeline in County? Yes
Owner of Nearest Pipeline: NA
Distance to Pipeline (miles): NA Pipeline Diameter: NA
Owner of Next Nearest Pipeline: NA
Distance to Next Nearest Pipeline (miles): Pipeline Diameter: NA
Other Utilization Possibilities
Name of Nearby Coal Fired Power Plant: None Distance to Plant (miles): NA
Comments:
16
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Figure 2-2: Map of Coal Lease Area at Black Thunder Mine Provided by US BLM
17
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Basin: Powder River
Coalbed/Coal Seam: Wyodak-Anderson
Updated: 7/10/2008 Status: Active
North Antelope Rochelle
GEOGRAPHIC DATA
State: WY
County: Campbell
CORPORATE INFORMATION
Current Owner: Peabody Energy/North Antelope Rochelle Business Unit
Parent Company: Peabody Energy
Parent Company Web Site: www.peabodyenergy.com
Previous Owner: Powder River Coal Company Previous or Alternate Name of Mine: None
Contact Name: Greg Dundas
Mailing Address: 339 A Antelope Road
City: Wright
Number of Employees at Mine: 810
Year of Initial Production: 1983
Life Expectancy: NA
Sulfur Content of Coal Produced: 0.18-0.23%
BTUs/lb of Coal Produced: 8,600 - 8,900
Overburden depth (ft): 255
MINE ADDRESS
Phone Number: (307) 464-0054
State: WY
ZIP: 82732
GENERAL INFORMATION
Mining Method: Truck/Shovel
Primary Coal Use: Steam
Seam Thickness (ft): 6-8
2007
PRODUCTION, VENTILATION AND DRAINAGE DATA
2003 2004 2005 2006
Coal Production (million short tons/year): 80.1 82.5 82.7 88.5 91.5
Estimated Total Methane Liberated (million cf/year)*: 3,203 3,299 3,308 3,541 3,661
Methane Recovered (million cf/day): 0.0 0.0 TBD TBD TBD
*Based on methodology currently employed for inventory purposes by USEPA. See page 3-40 of Inventory
of U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks: 1990-2004 (April 2006), USEPA # 430-R-06-002. Available
from http://www.epa.qov/climatechanqe/emissions/usinventoryreport.html.
18
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North Antelope Rochelle (continued)
Pipeline Sales Potential
Description of Surrounding Terrain: Rolling hills
Transmission Pipeline in County? Yes
Owner of Nearest Pipeline: NA
Distance to Pipeline (miles): NA Pipeline Diameter: NA
Owner of Next Nearest Pipeline: NA
Distance to Next Nearest Pipeline (miles): NA Pipeline Diameter: NA
Other Utilization Possibilities
Name of Nearby Coal Fired Power Plant: None Distance to Plant (miles): NA
Comments: This surface mine property has a pre-drainage program implemented.
19
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Figure 2-3: Map of Coal Lease Area at North Antelope Rochelle Mine Provided by US BLM
North Antelope /Rochelle
Powder River Coal LLC.
Subsidiary of:
Peabody Energy Corp.
20
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Updated: 7/10/2008 Status: Active
Caballo
GEOGRAPHIC DATA
Basin: Powder River State: WY
Coalbed/Coal Seam: Smith/Wyodak-Anderson County: Campbell
CORPORATE INFORMATION
Current Owner: Caballo Coal Company
Parent Company: Peabody Energy
Parent Company Web Site: www.peabodyenergy.com
Previous Owner: Carter Mining Company Previous or Alternate Name of Mine: None
Contact Name: David Ott
Mailing Address: 2298 Bishop Road
City: Gillette
Number of Employees at Mine: 275
Year of Initial Production: 1978
Life Expectancy: NA
Sulfur Content of Coal Produced: 0.29 - 0.42%
BTUs/lb of Coal Produced: 8,500 (Average)
Overburden depth (ft): 250
MINE ADDRESS
Phone Number: (307) 686-1991
State: WY
ZIP: 82718
GENERAL INFORMATION
Mining Method: Truck/Shovel
Primary Coal Use: Steam
Seam Thickness (ft): 68
PRODUCTION, VENTILATION AND DRAINAGE DATA
2003 2004 2005
2006
2007
Coal Production (million short tons/year):
Estimated Total Methane Liberated (million cf/year)*:
Methane Recovered (million cf/day):
*Based on methodology currently employed for inventory purposes by USEPA. See page 3-40 of Inventory
of U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks: 1990-2004 (April 2006), USEPA # 430-R-06-002. Available
from http://www.epa.qov/climatechanqe/emissions/usinventorvreport.html.
22.7
910
0.0
26.5
1,059
0.0
30.5
1,221
0.0
32.8
1,311
0.0
31.2
1,247
0.0
21
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Caballo (continued)
Pipeline Sales Potential
Description of Surrounding Terrain: Rolling hills
Transmission Pipeline in County? Yes
Owner of Nearest Pipeline: NA
Distance to Pipeline (miles): NA Pipeline Diameter: NA
Owner of Next Nearest Pipeline: NA
Distance to Next Nearest Pipeline (miles): NA Pipeline Diameter: NA
Other Utilization Possibilities
Name of Nearby Coal Fired Power Plant: None Distance to Plant (miles): NA
Comments:
22
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Figure 2-4: Map of Coal Lease Area at Caballo Mine Provided by US BLM
23
-------
Updated: 7/10/2008
Status: Active
Cordero Rojo Complex
GEOGRAPHIC DATA
Basin: Powder River State: WY
Coalbed/Coal Seam: Wyodak-Anderson County: Campbell
CORPORATE INFORMATION
Current Owner: Kennecott Energy
Parent Company: Rio Tinto Energy America
Parent Company Web Site: www.kennecottenergy.com
Previous Owner: Kennecott Energy (name change) Previous or Alternate Name of Mine: None
Contact Name: Colin Marshall
Mailing Address: PO Box 1449
City: Gillette
Number of Employees at Mine: 383
Year of Initial Production: 1976
Life Expectancy: NA
Sulfur Content of Coal Produced: 0.25 - 0.37%
BTUs/lb of Coal Produced: 8,400 (Average)
Overburden depth (ft): 140
MINE ADDRESS
Phone Number: (307) 682-8005
State: WY
ZIP: 82717
GENERAL INFORMATION
Mining Method: Dragline
Primary Coal Use: Steam
Seam Thickness (ft): 58.3
PRODUCTION, VENTILATION AND DRAINAGE DATA
2003 2004 2005
2006
2007
Coal Production (million short tons/year):
Estimated Total Methane Liberated (million cf/year)*:
Methane Recovered (million cf/day):
*Based on methodology currently employed for inventory purposes by USEPA. See page 3-40 of Inventory
of U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks: 1990-2004 (April 2006), USEPA # 430-R-06-002. Available
from http://www.epa.qov/climatechanqe/emissions/usinventorvreport.html.
36.1
1,443
0.0
38.7
1,550
0.0
37.8
1,513
0.0
39.7
1,590
0.0
40.5
1,619
0.0
24
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Cordero Rojo Complex (continued)
Pipeline Sales Potential
Description of Surrounding Terrain: Rolling hills
Transmission Pipeline in County? Yes
Owner of Nearest Pipeline: NA
Distance to Pipeline (miles): NA Pipeline Diameter: NA
Owner of Next Nearest Pipeline: NA
Distance to Next Nearest Pipeline (miles): NA Pipeline Diameter: NA
Other Utilization Possibilities
Name of Nearby Coal Fired Power Plant: None Distance to Plant (miles): NA
Comments:
25
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Figure 2-5: Map of Coal Lease Area at Cordero Rojo Complex Mine Provided by US BLM
Cordero-Rojo
Caballo Rojo Inc.
Subsidiary of:
RioTinto Energy America Inc.
26
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Updated: 7/10/2008 Status: Active
Antelope
GEOGRAPHIC DATA
Basin: Powder River State: WY
Coalbed/Coal Seam: Anderson and Canyon County: Campbell
CORPORATE INFORMATION
Current Owner: Kennecott Energy
Parent Company: Rio Tinto Energy America
Parent Company Web Site: www.kennecottenergy.com
Previous Owner: Kennecott Energy (name change) Previous or Alternate Name of Mine: None
Contact Name: Jeane Hull
Mailing Address: Caller Box 3008
City: Gillette
Number of Employees at Mine: 221
Year of Initial Production: 1985
Life Expectancy: NA
Sulfur Content of Coal Produced: 0.12-0.36%
BTUs/lb of Coal Produced: 8,800 (Average)
Overburden depth (ft): 140
MINE ADDRESS
Phone Number: (307) 464-1133
State: WY
ZIP: 82717
GENERAL INFORMATION
Mining Method: Dragline/Truck
Primary Coal Use: Steam
Seam Thickness (ft): 62.5
PRODUCTION, VENTILATION AND DRAINAGE DATA
2003 2004 2005
2006
2007
Coal Production (million short tons/year):
Estimated Total Methane Liberated (million cf/year)*:
Methane Recovered (million cf/day):
*Based on methodology currently employed for inventory purposes by USEPA. See page 3-40 of Inventory
of U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks: 1990-2004 (April 2006), USEPA # 430-R-06-002. Available
from http://www.epa.qov/climatechanqe/emissions/usinventorvreport.html.
29.5
1,181
0.0
29.7
1,187
0.0
30.0
1,198
0.0
33.9
1,355
0.0
34.5
1,379
0.0
27
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Antelope (continued)
Pipeline Sales Potential
Description of Surrounding Terrain: Rolling hills
Transmission Pipeline in County? Yes
Owner of Nearest Pipeline:
Distance to Pipeline (miles): Pipeline Diameter:
Owner of Next Nearest Pipeline:
Distance to Next Nearest Pipeline (miles): Pipeline Diameter: Other
Utilization Possibilities
Name of Nearby Coal Fired Power Plant: None Distance to Plant (miles): NA
Comments:
28
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Figure 2-6: Map of Coal Lease Area at Antelope Mine Provided by US BLM
Antelope
Antelope Coal Co.
Subsidiary of:
RioTinto Energy America Inc.
| | Conflict Administration Z
CBM Wells
29
-------
Basin: Powder River
Coalbed/Coal Seam: Roland and Smith
Updated: 7/10/2008 Status: Active
Eagle Butte
GEOGRAPHIC DATA
State: WY
County: Campbell
CORPORATE INFORMATION
Current Owner: Foundation Coal West Incorporated
Parent Company: Foundation Coal Company
Parent Company Web Site: www.foundationcoal.com
Previous Owner: Amax Coal West Previous or Alternate Name of Mine: None
Contact Name: Kurt Kost
Mailing Address: 10023 Hwy 14-16
City: Gillette
Number of Employees at Mine: 234
Year of Initial Production: 1978
Life Expectancy: NA
Sulfur Content of Coal Produced: 0.34%
BTUs/lbof Coal Produced: 8,400 (Average)
Overburden depth (ft): 110
MINE ADDRESS
Phone Number: (307) 687-3300
State: WY
ZIP: 82717
GENERAL INFORMATION
Mining Method: Truck/Shovel
Primary Coal Use: Steam
Seam Thickness (ft): NA
PRODUCTION, VENTILATION AND DRAINAGE DATA
2003 2004 2005
2006
2007
Coal Production (million short tons/year):
Estimated Total Methane Liberated (million cf/year)*:
Methane Recovered (million cf/day):
*Based on methodology currently employed for inventory purposes by USEPA. See page 3-40 of Inventory
of U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks: 1990-2004 (April 2006), USEPA # 430-R-06-002. Available
from http://www.epa.qov/climatechanqe/emissions/usinventorvreport.html.
24.7
989
0.0
23.0
920
0.0
24.1
965
0.0
25.4
1,014
0.0
25.0
999
0.0
30
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Eagle Butte (continued)
Pipeline Sales Potential
Description of Surrounding Terrain: Rolling hills
Transmission Pipeline in County? Yes
Owner of Nearest Pipeline: NA
Distance to Pipeline (miles): NA Pipeline Diameter: NA
Owner of Next Nearest Pipeline: NA
Distance to Next Nearest Pipeline (miles): NA Pipeline Diameter: NA
Other Utilization Possibilities
Name of Nearby Coal Fired Power Plant: None Distance to Plant (miles): NA
Comments:
31
-------
Figure 2-7: Map of Coal Lease Area at Eagle Butte Mine Provided by US BLM
Producing
Spudded
Shut In
Plugged & Abandoned
Location
0 1 Mile
32
-------
Basin: Powder River
Coalbed/Coal Seam: Wyodak
Updated: 7/10/2008 Status: Active
Belle Ayr
GEOGRAPHIC DATA
State: WY
County: Campbell
CORPORATE INFORMATION
Current Owner: Foundation Coal West Incorporated
Parent Company: Foundation Coal Company
Parent Company Web Site: www.foundationcoal.com
Previous Owner: Amax Coal West Previous or Alternate Name of Mine: None
Contact Name: Kurt Kost
Mailing Address: PO Box 3039
City: Gillette
Number of Employees at Mine: 230
Year of Initial Production: 1972
Life Expectancy: NA
Sulfur Content of Coal Produced: 0.31%
BTUs/lbof Coal Produced: 8,550 (Average)
Overburden depth (ft): NA
MINE ADDRESS
Phone Number: (307) 687-3300
State: WY
ZIP: 82717
GENERAL INFORMATION
Mining Method: Truck/Shovel
Primary Coal Use: Steam
Seam Thickness (ft): NA
PRODUCTION, VENTILATION AND DRAINAGE DATA
2003 2004 2005
2006
2007
Coal Production (million short tons/year):
Estimated Total Methane Liberated (million cf/year)*:
Methane Recovered (million cf/day):
*Based on methodology currently employed for inventory purposes by USEPA. See page 3-40 of Inventory
of U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks: 1990-2004 (April 2006), USEPA # 430-R-06-002. Available
from http://www.epa.qov/climatechanqe/emissions/usinventorvreport.html.
17.8
714
0.0
18.7
748
0.0
19.3
773
0.0
24.6
984
0.0
26.6
1,064
0.0
33
-------
Belle Ayr (continued)
Pipeline Sales Potential
Description of Surrounding Terrain: Rolling hills
Transmission Pipeline in County? Yes
Owner of Nearest Pipeline: NA
Distance to Pipeline (miles): NA Pipeline Diameter: NA
Owner of Next Nearest Pipeline: NA
Distance to Next Nearest Pipeline (miles): NA Pipeline Diameter: NA
Other Utilization Possibilities
Name of Nearby Coal Fired Power Plant: None Distance to Plant (miles): NA
Comments:
34
-------
Figure 2-8: Map of Coal Lease Area at Belle Ayr Mine Provided by US BLM
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Belle Ayr
Foundation Coal West
EXPLANATION
rfpfl Mined Area
L4JJJ
Leased area
I
L
Coal Lease Pending
Conflict Adm n strat on Zone
CBM We Is
• Producing
Spudded
• Shut In
H^ Plugged & Abandoned
o Location
1 M le 0 1 Mile
35
-------
Updated: 7/10/2008 Status: Active
Buckskin
GEOGRAPHIC DATA
State: WY
County: Campbell
CORPORATE INFORMATION
Current Owner: Kiewit Mining Group
Parent Company: Kiewit Peter Sons' Incorporated
Basin: Powder River
Coalbed/Coal Seam:
Parent Company Web Site: www.kiewit.com
Previous Owner: Triton Coal Company
Previous or Alternate Name of Mine: None
Contact Name:
Mailing Address: PO Box 3039
City: Gillette
Number of Employees at Mine: 154
Year of Initial Production: 1981
Life Expectancy: NA
Sulfur Content of Coal Produced: 0.44%
BTUs/lbof Coal Produced: 8,454 (Average)
Overburden depth (ft): 200
MINE ADDRESS
Phone Number: (307) 687-2062
State: WY
ZIP: 82716
GENERAL INFORMATION
Mining Method: Truck/Shovel
Primary Coal Use: Steam
Seam Thickness (ft): NA
PRODUCTION, VENTILATION AND DRAINAGE DATA
2003 2004 2005
2006
2007
Coal Production (million short tons/year):
Estimated Total Methane Liberated (million cf/year)*:
Methane Recovered (million cf/day):
*Based on methodology currently employed for inventory purposes by USEPA. See page 3-40 of Inventory
of U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks: 1990-2004 (April 2006), USEPA # 430-R-06-002. Available
from http://www.epa.qov/climatechanqe/emissions/usinventorvreport.html.
17.5
702
0.0
20.3
811
0.0
19.6
783
0.0
22.8
911
0.0
25.3
1,011
0.0
36
-------
Buckskin (continued)
Pipeline Sales Potential
Description of Surrounding Terrain: Rolling hills
Transmission Pipeline in County? Yes
Owner of Nearest Pipeline: NA
Distance to Pipeline (miles): NA Pipeline Diameter: NA
Owner of Next Nearest Pipeline: NA
Distance to Next Nearest Pipeline (miles): NA Pipeline Diameter: NA
Other Utilization Possibilities
Name of Nearby Coal Fired Power Plant: None Distance to Plant (miles): NA
Comments:
37
-------
Figure 2-9: Map of Coal Lease Area at Buckskin Mine Provided by US BLM
0
38
-------
Updated:
7/10/2008
Status: Active
Rosebud
GEOGRAPHIC DATA
Basin: Powder River
Coalbed/Coal Seam: Rosebud
CORPORATE INFORMATION
Current Owner: Western Energy Company
Parent Company: Westmoreland Coal Company
State: MT
County: Rosebud
Parent Company Web Site: www.westmoreland.com
Previous Owner: None
Previous or Alternate Name of Mine: None
Contact Name: John Olaughlin
Mailing Address: PO Box 99
City: Colstrip
Number of Employees at Mine: 308
Year of Initial Production: 1924
Life Expectancy: 2033
Sulfur Content of Coal Produced: 0.64%
BTUs/lbof Coal Produced: 8,456 (Average)
Overburden depth (ft): 100
MINE ADDRESS
Phone Number: (406)748-5100
State: MT
ZIP: 59323
GENERAL INFORMATION
Mining Method: Dragline/Truck
Primary Coal Use: Steam
Seam Thickness (ft): NA
PRODUCTION, VENTILATION AND DRAINAGE DATA
2003 2004 2005
2006
2007
Coal Production (million short tons/year):
Estimated Total Methane Liberated (million cf/year)*:
Methane Recovered (million cf/day):
*Based on methodology currently employed for inventory purposes by USEPA. See page 3-40 of Inventory
of U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks: 1990-2004 (April 2006), USEPA # 430-R-06-002. Available
from http://www.epa.qov/climatechanqe/emissions/usinventorvreport.html.
11.0
441
0.0
12.7
507
0.0
13.4
535
0.0
12.7
509
0.0
12.6
503
0.0
39
-------
Rosebud (continued)
Pipeline Sales Potential
Description of Surrounding Terrain: Rolling hills
Transmission Pipeline in County? Yes
Owner of Nearest Pipeline: NA
Distance to Pipeline (miles): NA Pipeline Diameter: NA
Owner of Next Nearest Pipeline: NA
Distance to Next Nearest Pipeline (miles): NA Pipeline Diameter: NA
Other Utilization Possibilities
Name of Nearby Coal Fired Power Plant: None Distance to Plant (miles): NA
Comments:
40
-------
Figure 2-10: Map of Coal Lease Area at Rosebud Mine Provided by US BLM
Rosebud
Western Energy Coal Co.
Subsidiary of:
Westmoreland Coal Company
41
-------
References
Keystone. 1997-2001. Keystone Coal Industry Manual. Years 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001,
2002, 2003, 2004, and 2005. Chicago, Illinois: Maclean Hunter Publishing Co.
MSHA (Mine Safety and Health Administration). Online, http://www.msha.gov
USBLM (U.S. Bureau of Land Management). Instruction Memorandum 2003-253. Available
online: http://www.blm.gov/wy/st/en/programs/energy/CAZ/im2003-253.html
USEPA (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency). 2006. Inventory of U.S. Greenhouse Gas
Emissions and Sinks 1990-2004, Office of Atmospheric Programs, USEPA # 430-R-06-
002. April 2006.
42
-------
References and Calculations Used in the Mine Profiles
Data Item
Sources
Calculations
Geographic Data (State,
County, Basin, Coalbed)
Keystone Manual
Corporate Information:
Current Owner
Previous Owner
Parent Company
Past versions of Keystone
Coal Manual and recent coal
industry publications
Past versions of Keystone
Coal Manual
Past versions of Keystone
Coal Manual
Phone/Address/Contact
Information
Past versions of Keystone
Coal Manual
General Information:
Number of Employees
Year of Initial Production
Mining Method
Past versions of Keystone
Coal Manual
MSHA; Past versions of
Keystone Coal Manual and
articles in coal industry
publications
Past versions of Keystone
Coal Manual
Primary Use
Past versions of Keystone
Coal Manual
Production, Ventilation, and
Drainage Data
Coal Production
Estimated Total Methane
Liberated
MSHA
Based on methodology currently employed
for inventory purposes by USEPA. See
page 3-40 of Inventory of U.S. Greenhouse
Gas Emissions and Sinks: 1990-2004
(April 2006), USEPA # 430-R-06-002.
Available from
http://www.epa.qov/climatechanqe/emissio
ns/usinventorvreport.html.
43
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