This was a design-build project for San Juan Coal Company in New Mexico. After many years of production, the San Juan Surface Mine had depleted its coal reserves. San Juan Coal decided to convert from surface mining to a large underground operation. The new underground mine would also be the first long wall mine in the region and one of the largest in the U.S.
Developing the project
The scope of work included installation of sloped-coal handling conveyors to transport the coal to the surface and erection of coal-stacking equipment. The project team designed and constructed mine portals along with stabilization of the old surface mine’s high wall above the new portals. Work included water supply and storage infrastructure, wastewater and storm water facilities and four support buildings. Substations and electrical transmission lines to power the new mine were also part of the work. Mine ventilation and commodity supply facilities were built as well.
Constructing the project
Immediately on award of contract, an integrated team of designers, key subcontractors, project managers, and craft supervisors was assembled.
Although construction was fastpaced, work took place without a lost-time accident or environmental incident. With the client’s involvement throughout design and construction, the project team met its completion target and kept project costs under control.
