Western Ky. mine to reopen in spring

MADISONVILLE, Ky. -- A western Kentucky coal mine is being brought back into service, opening jobs for as many as 900 miners.

St. Louis-based Armstrong Coal Co. plans to begin operation at the Big Run Mine in April.

David Cobb, Armstrong Coal's vice president of business development, said when the Ohio County mine is running at full production, the company will employ 900 miners at it and other company operations.

"That's what the forecast was back in June," Cobb said.

A subsidiary of Peabody Coal ran the Big Run mine in Centertown, about 30 miles south of Owensboro.

Armstrong Coal took over the mine after receiving up to $16 million in state tax benefits under the Kentucky Industrial Revitalization Act.

Cobb said the jobs will pay in the $19 per hour range, some higher and lower, based on the job.