Consol submits plans for mine re-entry

Consol submits plans for mine re-entry

October 2, 2007

PITTSBURGH (AP) - Consol Energy Inc. (NYSE:CNX) said Tuesday it has submitted to regulators plans to re-enter its Buchanan mine near Mavisdale, Va.
Production at Buchanan was idled in July after roof collapses damaged ventilation controls inside the mine. Consol evacuated the mine, and no injuries were reported.
Consol has now submitted a re-entry plan to the federal Mine Safety and Health Administration and to the Commonwealth of Virginia for review and comment. The company does not expect to receive approval to re-enter Buchanan before mid-October.
Buchanan's air quality 'continues to show an overall improvement,' Consol said in a statement. Carbon monoxide readings had risen above ambient levels after the incident, but have returned to normal in all but one monitoring station.
Consol has restarted nitrogen injection into the areas that showed elevated carbon monoxide readings. Injections will continue for a week to ten days, when the mine atmosphere will be re-evaluated.
Consol shares fell 52 cents to $46.82 in morning trading.