Hallador Energy Co. reopens Knox County coal mine

Terre Haute-based Hallador Energy Co. (Nasdaq: HNRG) is reopening the Freelandville Surface Mine in Knox County. Hallador says its subsidiary Sunrise Coal will begin mining activity immediately.

Sunrise Coal is looking to hire 200 new employees, experienced and non-experienced personnel for underground and surface operations. Hallador says it is also offering employees a $3,000 sign-on retention bonus.

In February, Hallador announced plans to acquire the Merom Generating Station in Sullivan County from Bloomington-based Hoosier Energy. Hallador says it expects to complete the purchase in the third quarter and has entered into a multi-year Power Purchase Agreement with Hoosier Energy.

Hallador says it expects up to half of Sunrise’s coal production will be used annually at the Merom Power Plant.

Additionally, Sunrise will also begin new surface mining operations at its Prosperity Mine in Pike County.