Rhino Energy

Rhino Energy is a U.S. based coal mining company. On its website it states that, as of March 2008, the company "operated three mining complexes located in Central Appalachia (Tug River, Rob Fork and Deane), two mining complexes located in Northern Appalachia (Hopedale and Sands Hill) and one mine located in the Western Bituminous region. We, together with a joint venture partner, acquired the Eagle mining complex in Central Appalachia in May 2008. The complex is fully developed and resumed mining operations in August 2008." On its website, the company states that in the first quarter of 2008 it sold 2.1 million tons of coal.

Red Cliff Mine
Rhino Energy is proposing to build the Red Cliff Mine, a new underground coal mine 15 miles northwest of Grand Junction in Mesa County. The mine would produce 8 million tons of coal annually over 30 years, making it one of the largest in Colorado. (In 2006 the mine was proposed by CAM Holdings, which had been formed in was formed in April 2003 by "entities managed by Wexford Capital." CAM Holdings was the predecessor of Rhino Resource Partners, which became Rhino Energy. )

Rhino Energy's proposal includes construction of mine entries, associated roads and facilities on 23,000 acres, construction of 14 mile rail spur, and construction of 14 mile transmission line. Rhino Energy plans to conduct underground mining 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, 365 days per year, using room and pillar and longwall mining techniques.

The public comment period on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement closes on March 17, 2009.

2011: Rhino proposes new coal mine in IL
In August 2010, Rhino said it plans to build a Christian County mine whether or not a proposed coal gasification project, the Taylorville Energy Center, succeeds. Rhino plans to build the mine on Illinois 148 between Taylorville and Decatur. Work could begin as early as 2011, if all the permits are obtained. Regulators are completing an analysis on the Taylorville project to be presented to the Illinois General Assembly in September 2010. Rhino Energy said it included Taylorville Energy in its plans, but there is also sufficient demand outside the state.

Rhino buys Elk Horn Coal
In July 2011, Rhino Resource Partners LP acquired Elk Horn Coal Co., LLC for approximately $120 million in cash with no assumption of debt. Elk Horn is a coal leasing company incorporated in 1915 and located in eastern Kentucky. Elk Horn has an estimated 128 million tons of proven and probable coal reserves and 157 million tons of non reserve coal deposits. The company leases to third parties approximately 65 million tons of proven and probable coal reserves and approximately 55 million tons of non reserve coal deposits. Major lessees include James River Coal, Blackhawk, Revelation and US Coal.

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