It said that the miner positions would range from equipment operators to surveyors. It did not indicate a timeframe for the hiring or restart.
Blue Gem Coal, an extremely high grade of coal, is one of the most sought-after grades of coal in the world and is exported to many different countries. It occurs exclusively in Whitley and Knox counties in Kentucky.
New Century said last month it had signed an option allowing it to evaluate about 5 million tons of potential Blue Gem coal.
Core and channel drilling on a 2000-acre property in Knox and Bell counties is taking place in search of the sought-after coal.
If drilling yields positive results, it could send New Century to the center of the reserve region and atop market holdings.
“Over the past 36 months, New Century Coal has positioned itself to become a leader in Blue Gem coal reserves,” president Dallas McRae said at the time.
Appalachian-focused New Century was established in 2006 and holds properties in Kentucky, West Virginia, Virginia and Tennessee. It exports to Korea, Poland, China among others.
With more than 10 million tons of Blue Gem reserves already in place, the miner is one of the largest of its reserve holders.
Blue Gem coal is primarily used in the silicate and semi-conductor manufacturing industry.
