Hallador Energy Company (Nasdaq-HNRG), based in Terre Haute, IN: Through its wholly owned subsidiary, Sunrise Coal, announces new investment in Knox County, IN with the reopening of the Freelandville Surface Mine. Mining activities are expected to commence immediately.
As such, 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 eleventh 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 inventive 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, IN, subject to certain governmental and regulatory approvals. Hallador anticipates completing the purchase in the 3rd quarter and has entered into a multi-year 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, IL elevator. This investment provides a closer location for employees located near the Russellville area to access the Oaktown II underground mine. Also, in Pike County, IN, Sunrise will begin new surface mining operations at its Prosperity Mine, near Petersburg, IN.
As Hallador Energy/Sunrise Coal continues its expansion in Knox County, IN, Sullivan County, IN, Pike County, IN and Lawrence County, IL, they expect their employee base to grow in excess of 1,000 people. Some of this growth can be attributed to the growing understanding of how safe today’s mining industry is. Mining enjoys an incident rate of non-fatal occupational injuries that is better than agriculture, forestry, fishing, hunting, health care, manufacturing, and construction. Additionally, Sunrise’s is proud to maintain a safety record that is far better than its industry average. Couple its safety record with an on-site award winning mine rescue team and it is obvious those that value safety chooses Hallador/Sunrise.