Hallador Energy’s wholly owned subsidiary, Sunrise Coal, announced a new investment in Knox County, Indiana, with the reopening of the Freelandville surface mine. Mining activities are expected to commence immediately.
Sunrise Coal is currently hiring 200 new employees in the area. They are seeking experienced and non-experienced personnel for both their underground and surface operations. Employees who meet the criteria can receive a $3,000 sign-on retention bonus paid $1,500 after their fifth month anniversary and final $1,500 paid after their 11th month anniversary, weekly paid wages of up to $30 per hour (after 90-days of service), paid vacation, family health insurance, supplemental dental and vision, life insurance and exclusive access to Hallador’s wellness and medical clinic (free to all Hallador employees and families). Presently, new hires who complete required MSHA training with Sunrise receive a $750 gift card as a training incentive after 30 days of employment.
The Freelandville mine is one of many new investments Hallador is making in the area. In February, Hallador announced it would be acquiring the Merom power plant, located in Sullivan County, Indiana. Hallador anticipates completing the purchase in the third quarter and has entered into a multiyear power purchase agreement with Hoosier Energy. It is expected, over time, up to half of Sunrise’s coal production will be consumed annually at the Merom power plant, securing long-term demand for Sunrise’s large coal reserve base.
Earlier this year, Sunrise began operating its Russellville, Illinois, elevator. This investment provides a closer location for employees located near the Russellville area to access the Oaktown II underground mine, the company said. Also, in Pike County, Indiana, Sunrise will begin new surface mining operations at its Prosperity mine, near Petersburg, Indiana.
As Hallador Energy/Sunrise Coal continues to expand, the company said it expects its employee base to grow to more than 1,000 people.
