The underground complex near Sebree was suspended on July 24 due to adverse geological conditions that disrupted ventilation known as “squeezing”

The incident occurred just weeks after Alliance’s Onton No. 9 was issued a federal imminent danger order for an unsafe condition from the US Mine Safety and Health Administration that was terminated one minute after its issuance.

Alliance officials said no injuries occurred as a result of the July 24 condition, and all miners were withdrawn once the issue was discovered.

“Since the time of the interruption, [Alliance subsidiary] Sebree Mining has been working under plans approved by the Mine Safety and Health Administration and the Kentucky Office of Mine Safety and Licensing to isolate the affected area and to confirm a safe working environment prior to resuming production,” vice president of operations Heath Lovell said.

“These efforts are ongoing, and Sebree Mining expects to resume production in the near future.”

Alliance purchased the Onton No. 9 complex last February from Green River Collieries for an undisclosed sum.

The room and pillar mine, formally known as the Advent mine, contains an estimated 40 million tons of coal reserves in the West Kentucky No.9 seam.

Onton, which has about 315 on its payroll, produces about 2.1 million tons annually via three mining units. A fourth unit is planned with the completion of another air shaft and pending market conditions.

The producer did not respond to an ILN request for more information, including plans for staff transfers or any anticipated timeline for restart.

Alliance, headquartered in Oklahoma but with a heavy Kentucky presence, operates 11 mining complexes in the Illinois Basin, Central Appalachia, and Northern Appalachia mining regions.

It mainly sells coal to electric utilities, including the Tennessee Valley Authority and Louisville Gas and Electric.