Prior to joining the Arizona-based energy organisation, Blackburn’s positions included president of Asian American Coal. Also included on his resume were the development and management of projects with Zeigler Coal Holding, Mapco Coal and AT Massey subsidiary Elk Run Coal.

Blackburn holds a Bachelor of Science and an MBA from West Virginia University, as well as a Juris Doctorate from Harvard University. He has served on boards including WVU, the University of Kentucky and the University of Texas and holds several industry honours, including Distinguished Engineer of Mines, from WVU, the Society of Mining Engineers and the West Virginia DNR.

Bronco Energy, which manages four subsidiary companies, operates the Hazleton mine in Indiana, which commenced production in 2003 and encompasses approximately 10 million tonnes of recoverable product from the Illinois No. 7 and Illinois No. 5 seams, according to the company’s website.

It also owns the Columbia operation in Utah, which closed in 1966 after labour union problems. A former room and pillar mine, the company said it plans to employ an 800-1100ft longwall when permitted and operational.

Columbia would mine from the Sunnyside seam, the site said.