Deserado Mine celebrates record

RANGELY I The Deserado Mine reached a safety milestone Dec. 31, 2011, completing a full calendar year without a lost-time accident. This extends the mine’s safety streak by 80 days from its Oct. 12, 2011, accomplishment of 365 days without a lost time accident. The October event was recognized by a special celebration for the miners and attended by Bruce Stover, director of the Office of Active and Inactive Mines for the State of Colorado; Allyn Davis, MSHA district 9 manager; and Stuart Sanderson, president of the Colorado Mining Association.
The new record is unprecedented in Deserado’s history which began its operations in 1982. The record is a rare accomplishment in underground mining.
Deserado was also been recognized in the December edition of Coal USA, a national trade publication, as the second most productive mine in the United States. Productivity is measured by the number of tons mined per man-hour.
The combination of high productivity and safe mining is the product of a dedicated workforce with a strong commitment of working towards common goals according to Al Hillard, Deserado Mine manager. He added, “We have the full support of the company’s board and CEO who emphasize safety and show appreciation for miners’ efforts.”
The Deserado Mine, located northeast of Rangely, Colo., is owned and operated by Deseret Power, based in South Jordan, Utah. Deseret operates the Bonanza Power Plant southeast of Vernal which is the sole customer for Deserado’s coal.