The longwall was subsequently sealed. In August, they thought they had the problem fixed and re-entered the area to examine the longwall. Unfortunately, CO levels began to climb again and they were forced to reseal it and abandon the longwall.
“Oxbow is looking for a new longwall and that takes time,” said Oxbow spokesperson Brad Goldstein. “We are honoring our contracts through third-party sales.” The mine currently has two longwall panels developed and Goldstein sees the idling as a temporary measure.