Mining occurs in a multi-seam operation extracting coal from two seams.
Conditions can be adverse due to geologic and multi-seam conditions.
The average overburden depth is 1,700 feet. At the Cottonwood mine the coal is transported from the underground workings to the surface silo by 60-inch conveyor system. The coal is then crushed and transported 13 miles by truck to the Cottonwood Preparation Plant facility where the coal is partially or completely washed or delivered as a raw product by 48-inch conveyor system to the Hunter power plant. At the Deer Creek mine the coal is transported from the underground workings to the surface stockpile by 48-inch conveyor system. The coal is then crushed and conveyed by a 42-inch conveyor system for 3 miles to the Huntington power plant.