COAL MINING: Work halted at Willow Creek

BRITISH COLUMBIA — Western Canadian Coal of Vancouver will suspend mining at the end of this month at is Willow Creek mine near Chetwynd due to falling demand for metallurgical coal. The decision comes despite a successful start-up of the mine in October 2008.

John Hogg, president and CEO of Western commented, “Other than capital spending required to sustain operations at our Wolverine and Brule mines, we have begun a plan to suspend all capital expenditures. We are also reviewing all non-discretionary spending to contain our mining cash costs."

The company said that future decisions on the restart of operations at Willow Creek will depend on next year's coal price outlook.

See also www.WesternCoal.com.