HUNTINGTON, W.Va. (AP) - The Latest on coal producer Blackjewel LLC’s bankruptcy case (all times local):
5:50 p.m.
A federal bankruptcy judge has adjourned a hearing without deciding on a purchase offer for a West Virginia-based coal company.
Judge Frank Volk told the parties in federal court in Huntington the hearing would resume Friday morning in Charleston.
Volk heard arguments Thursday from a Blackjewel LLC attorney as well as objections from attorneys representing the federal government.
Bristol, Tennessee-based Contura Energy says in a news release it has offered $20.6 million as the stalking horse bidder for three mines owned by Milton-based Blackjewel. If other qualifying bids are made by a July 31 deadline, an auction would be held on Aug. 1.
The purchase could put hundreds back to work at two mines in Wyoming and one in West Virginia. They’ve been closed since Blackjewel filed for bankruptcy July 1.
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1:05 p.m.
Two coal mines in Wyoming and one in West Virginia owned by a company in bankruptcy could reopen if a judge approves a purchase offer.
Court documents show Bristol, Tennessee-based Contura Energy has offered $20.6 million for the mines owned by Milton, West Virginia-based Blackjewel LLC. The mines have been closed since Blackjewel filed for bankruptcy July 1.
The Casper Star-Tribune reports Blackjewel seeks an emergency court hearing Thursday on the proposed purchase before a federal bankruptcy judge in Huntington, West Virginia.
The purchase could put up to 700 employees back to work at the Eagle Butte and Belle Ayr mines in Wyoming and Pax Surface Mine in West Virginia.
Contura sold the Wyoming mines to Blackjewel in 2017. They were the among the top-producing coal mines in the U.S.
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