Overview -
The mine is located 105 km southeast of Gillette, Wyoming, U.S.A. and it is considered to be the world's largest surface-strip operation.
The owner of the mine is Peabody Energy, which is the largest private-sector coal company in the world. Its operations provide coal that is used to generate 10% of the electricity generated in the U.S. and approximately 3% of the electricity generated throughout the world. It exports coal to 15 countries and over 350 power and industrial plants.
The Powder River Coal Field area has experienced natural coal fires throughout the recent geological history and because of that the lands have been held as sacred by early Native Americans. Coal was re-discovered in Wyoming by the Fremont Expedition of 1843. Commercial mining began with the arrival of the railroad. Since 1988 Wyoming tops the list of the largest coal-producing states in the U.S.
The North Antelope Rochelle Mine began operation in 1983 and produces the lowest sulfur coal in the United States - 0.2% sulfur at a heat value ranging from 8,600 to 8,800 Btu per pound. The operation employs three draglines along with five overburden truck-and-shovel fleets. During 2007 the company erected a new dragline and completed an in-pit crusher/conveyor at North Antelope Rochelle. The coal is hauled by truck to one of three hoppers at the complex, where it is crushed and ultimately conveyed to 15,000-ton silos for loadout on unit trains.
In 2007 the mine produced 91.5 million short tons - that is more coal than 22 of the 24 other coal-producing States in 2007.
The operation employs 1,080 people and annually provides the local economy with $63 million in wages and benefits.
North Antelope Rochelle's industry-leading safety and reclamation practices have been recognized with numerous awards over the past four years.
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