New Coal Mine Demonstrates Effectiveness of Ohio’s Regulatory System

FREEPORT, OHIO— Officials from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and Rosebud Mining Company joined local and statewide elected officials to commemorate the groundbreaking for Ohio’s newest coal mine, the Vail Mine in Harrison County on Tuesday.

"This new project proves that Ohio's regulatory policies give us a key competitive advantage," said ODNR Director Sean Logan. "The department's recent regulatory reforms made Ohio the best place for this new business by providing predictability to the process while maintaining all federal and state environmental protections."

In January 2009, Governor Ted Strickland signed Senate Bill 386 into law, reforming the coal permitting regulatory processes. Additionally, the ODNR Division of Mineral Resources Management streamlined its coal permitting process to reduce duplication, streamline decisions and modernize the process by replacing paper documents with electronic communications. The improvements reduced the time necessary to issue a new permit by nearly 100 days, without affecting critical oversight of mining activities to ensure worker safety and environmental protection and restoration.
 
“Rosebud Mining Company is proud to expand its Ohio operations; the new mine will provide high quality coal and new job opportunities for the Appalachian region for 30 years,” said J. Clifford Forrest, president, Rosebud Mining Company. “Ohio’s regulatory climate and transportation infrastructure were key in our decision to invest here instead of less predictable surrounding states.”

The first underground mine to open in Ohio since 2008, the Vail Mine operation encompasses 15,000 acres. The company will be extracting a lower sulfur coal from the Upper Freeport seam. Site preparation work will begin this year, with mining operations beginning in 2011. An estimated  750,000 tons of coal will be extracted annually when the site is fully operational.

According to Director Logan, the output of this mine will help assure the long-term availability of coal for electrical generation; keeping energy costs stable and further helping attract new business to Ohio.
 
Participants in yesterday’s event included ODNR Director Sean Logan, J. Clifford Forrest, president, Rosebud Mining Company, State Senator Jason Wilson, State Representative Joshua O’Farrell, Barbara Pincola and Michael Vinka, Harrison County commissioners, Robert Sterling, Harrison County Engineer and representatives from the Freeport Township trustees.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR Web site at ohiodnr.com www.ohiodnr.com.

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(Editor’s note: Photo attached. Standing from left to right: Ohio Coal Association President Mike Carey, State Representative Josh O’Farrell, ODNR Director Sean Logan, Rosebud Mining Company CEO Cliff Forrest, State Senator Jason Wilson, Ohio Coal Association Chairman Mike Jamison, ODNR Assistant Director Rich Milleson)

For more information, contact:
Heidi Hetzel-Evans, ODNR Media Relations
614. 265. 6860