Mining Company, Wyoming County, Reach Tax Payment Agreement

CASPER, Wyo. (AP) — A coal-mining company and a county in northeast Wyoming have reached an agreement on paying delinquent taxes.

Blackjewel, LLC, owns the Eagle Butte and Belle Ayr coal mines in Campbell County. The company sought more time to pay an $8.6 million tax bill due Nov. 1, 2018.

The Casper Star-Tribune reports the company has agreed to make weekly, then monthly payments under a deal approved by county commissioners Tuesday. Blackjewel will pay the delinquent bill, an additional $8.6 million and accrued interest by the summer of 2020.

County Commissioner Mark Christensen says the arrangement is acceptable.

Alpha Natural Resources spinoff Contura Energy acquired the mines after Alpha filed for bankruptcy in 2015. Contura held the mines for over a year before their acquisition by Blackjewel.