American Resources will increase its workforce at the Perry County Resources mining complex to 76 underground and 16 preparation plant employees. (Photo: American Resources)
American Resources Corp. plans to commence mining operations at its Perry County Resources (PCR) mining complex in Hazard, Kentucky, and increase its workforce to approximately 76 underground mine and 16 preparation plant employees in the near-term. The company said it plans to grow that to approximately 175 workers as the complex expands its production base.
“We are truly excited to restart the Perry County complex and unveil it as one of the lowest cost, if not the lowest, PCI and stoker operations in the United States,” American Resources COO Tarlis Thompson said. “As we prepare to bring this first-class operation back online this quarter following our extensive restructuring efforts, we are confident that the efficient, low-cost structure at Perry County will be a long-term, stable provider of jobs to the local community.”
Production at PCR, which was idled post-acquisition for the restructuring process, has remained idle during the COVID-19 outbreak to ensure a safe working environment, to protect the health of its employees and others, to mitigate the spread of the virus, and to better navigate the global economic disruption, according to the company.
On October 12, the company will begin the final underground development of installing seals to close off the mine’s old works before restarting production. The installation of the seals will further reduce the E4-2 mine’s operating cost and most importantly, will make the mine significantly safer for its employees, according to the company.
With PCR’s restart, American Resources will initially operate the complex’s E4-2 underground mine with one super section with plans to ramp the mine’s production by utilizing two super sections and one bridge section. This mining plan will ultimately utilize five of the E4-2 mine’s current six continuous miners. The company said it will run two eight to 10-hour operating shifts and one maintenance shift per pay, over 5.5 workdays per week.
