Wednesday, January 15, 2014

The "Curiosities" of Bob Seitz

Mining firm takes tougher stance with state DNR. (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 1/14/2014)


Is it just me, or does anyone else think that these "curiosities" to which Seitz obliquely refers have everything to do with worker safety and environmental protection?

While doing some research about Cline Resource and Development, I stumbled across a similarly named company, the Cline Mining Corporation.

Here's a timeline of articles from the Denver Post regarding a failed mining operation in Trinidad, Colorado.

December 8, 2010
Coal mine is a gold mine for Las Animas.   Coal mine closed for 20 years reopens, providing 400 jobs.

May 24, 2011
New Elk mine near Trinidad, Colo., has more coal than predicted.   385 tons, 73 tons more than anticipated.  Mine will eventually employ 450.

July 11, 2012
Sixty-day closure of Trinidad mine results in temporary layoffs. A temporary suspension of production impacts 200 employees, or 78% of the work force.  That means the total employment at the mine was 256.  (Guess they didn't reach their target employment of 450.)

Photo credit:  Colorado Mountain Spirit

September 19, 2012
Production at New Elk mine won't resume till market improves.  Trinidad has experienced a sharp decline in population:  from 12,545 in 2000 to 9,096 in 2012.

December 18, 2012
Owner of New Elk Mine in Trinidad defaults on $2.5 million payment.    Cline is unable to make $2,5 million debt payment.  Job loss of "about 250" people.  Small crew of 22-25 are maintaining the facility.

December 27, 2012
Owner of New Elk mine announces financial restructuring of company.  Suspension of production still in effect.

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