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Show 22 Energy Edition, January, 1994 Oldest producing underground mine focuses on future The mine at Sunnyside is one of the oldest, continu- producing underground facilities in the United States, according to ously Joseph Fielder, Sunnyside Coal Company mine manager. Sunnyside Coal recently laid off 47 workers, but 128 employees currently remain at the mining operation. The Sunnyside mines history stretches back to 1897, when Jefferson Tidwell moved his family into Whitmore Canyon. Tidwell eventually sold the mines interests to Castle Gate affiliates for $1,700. In 1899, Utah Fuel Company shipped its first coal from the Sunnyside facility. By 1907, Sunnyside had become the largest, highest producing mine in Carbon County. And in 1942, Kaiser Steel Company purchased the Sunnyside mine to provide coking coal for its mill in Fontana, Calif. After the Kaiser mining company declared bank ruptcy, Sunnyside Coal acquired the underground operation and related properties in 1989 and initiated shipments in March of the same year. Sunnyside Coal has the capacity to produce 700,000 tons per year of washed coal. The mine produces a metallurgical product that is suitable for thermal markets. Coal quality averages low sulfer 13,000 Btus and low ash. Sunnysides coal is principally sold to Geneva Steel Corportaion in Utah and to other industrial accounts in the West. high-volatil- e, Future goals and objectives for the company are to supply customers with quality products and services, plus provide jobs for Utah families. Sunnyside Coal Company plans to continue to improve safety and productivity, placing the local underground facility among the most productive mines in Utah. Early 20th century coal workers lead mules the underground shafts at Sunnyside mine. In later years, equipment replaced ani- into mals in the mining industry. (Photo courtesy Sunnyside Coal Company) Repair of Hydraulic and Pneumatic Components lfflirgjai!niGwini ; MsoelhiDirD Corp Offices: Goshen Road Morgantown, WV 26505 P.O. Box 986 Manufacture New Hydraulic Cylinders Complete Rebuild of Mine Equipment Deron Rock Dusters, Winches, Coal Drills, Chain Saws and more |