Coal Company in Bankruptcy Court Asks to Sell Wyoming Mine

CASPER, Wyo. (AP) — A Colorado-based coal company going through bankruptcy proceedings has asked for permission to sell its mine in southwestern Wyoming.

A recent court filing shows Westmoreland Coal Co. requested to sell its Kemmerer mine by the end of February.

The company declared bankruptcy in October with more than $1.4 billion in debt amid declining demand for the fuel.

It has attempted to cut retiree benefits and end its contract with union miners.

The company argued that parties interested in buying the mine would not buy with the union contract in place.

It plans to hold an auction next month if it receives multiple bids.

The company and its attorney did not return calls seeking comment.

The Kemmerer mine has been unionized for over a century.