Blackjewel mine sale closes, some employees called back to work

CASPER — The sale of two Powder River Basin coal mines owned by bankrupt operator Blackjewel closed Friday, leading the new owner to begin mobilizing furloughed employees after nearly four months of limited communication.

The closure of the sale comes after the takeover firm secured surety bonds required to operate the Eagle Butte and Belle Ayr mines, according to a statement released Monday morning by permit holder Contura Energy.

The finalization of the sale brings the nation’s fourth- and sixth-largest coal mines one step closer to returning to full production after nearly four months of no...