Rock Springs, Wyoming-based Bridger Coal Company, Wyoming's only underground coal mine, has announced that it preparing to cease underground mining and close its underground mine. The closure plan which has been anticipated since 2016 will be implemented on or about November 19, 2021. Approximately 92 workers will be impacted by the closure.
The closure coincides with the expiration of the mine’s federally leased area in December 2021. The company does not plan to seek an extension or a new lease to continue operations.
Bridger Coal, owned by Portland, Oregon-based PacifiCorp, a utility serving multiple western states, operates both the underground mine and a local surface mine, is a subsidiary of Des Moines, Iowa-based Berkshire Hathaway Energy Co., a holding company for utilities and related operations.
Bridger Coal underground and surface mines are both owned by PacifiCorp, a utility serving multiple western states including Wyoming. PacifiCorp has decided to transition from coal-fired power and to renewable resources to meet regulatory requirements and help combat climate change.
Change is coming. There will always be a tomorrow, no matter how much you may try to ignore it. There are no guarantees in life or promises for a bright future. Just because something bad hasn't happened yet, doesn't mean it won't. It can happen to anyone, anytime, anywhere. No one is guaranteed to wake up tomorrow and still have a job by evening. Are you now wondering, Am I Next?