SULLIVAN — Justin Davidson recently was laid off from his job for the second time in a year. This time, the layoff is likely permanent, he said.
“I need a good-paying job and I don’t want to work fast food,” said Davidson, 21, the father of a 5-month-old baby. “I’m a hard worker. When you’ve got kids, you’ve got to work.”
Davidson was among an estimated 600 people applying Tuesday for around 200 coal industry jobs that should be filled by the end of this year in Oaktown in northern Knox County. The companies doing the hiring, Black Panther Mining and Five Star Mining, anticipate opening two underground coal mines around Oaktown employing at least 400 new people (including this year’s 200) by the end of 2010, a mine official said.
“We have had an amazing response,” said Brad Rigsby, project engineer for Black Panther Mining, LLC, speaking of the turnout for Tuesday’s job fair and a similar event last week in Vincennes. The Vincennes job fair drew more than 1,100 applicants, he said.
“We had no idea we were going to have the kind of response we did,” he said. “We’ve seen applicants from as far north as Indianapolis.”
With four hours left to go Tuesday, about 400 people already had completed job applications in the Sullivan Learning Center on the square in Sullivan. Many applicants said they recently had lost their jobs while others said they were looking for a better job.
The Oaktown mining jobs will pay around $21 per hour and include full family medical, dental and vision insurance benefits, Rigsby said. The jobs also include a 401(k) plan, two weeks of vacation after the first year of employment as well as production and safety bonuses, he said.
“We’re after that solid work ethic,” Rigsby said.
Black Panther and Five Star Mining, both with headquarters in Petersburg, will be operating the mines in Oaktown. However, the coal inside the mines is leased by Vectren Energy Delivery, Rigsby said.
The power company will use much of the coal from the mines at its own power plants, but also will sell some on the open market, he said. The two mines should be active for around 20 years and are expected to yield around 5 million tons of coal annually when fully operational, Rigsby said.
Job applicant Davidson said he had considered mining as a career in the past, but has no experience in the industry. He plans to take a training course at Vincennes University required by federal rules to work in an underground mine, he said. The training “will help somewhere down the road” even if he doesn’t get hired at the mines, he said.
Less than 20 percent of the job applicants have at least five years of mining experience, Rigsby estimated. While most of the mining jobs will be underground, there will be around 40 surface jobs as well, he said.
The two coal mines being opened in Oaktown – named Oaktown Fuels Mine No. 1 and Mine No. 2 – represent a $170 million investment by Vectren, Rigsby said. The operations are in the development stages now, he said.
Despite all the talk of “green” fuels, coal remains a relatively inexpensive source of around 95 percent of Indiana’s electricity, Rigsby said. “Coal is still by and large the most competitive fuel we’ve got.”
Arthur Foulkes can be reached at (812) 231-4232 or arthur.foulkes@tribstar.com.
Business
Related Photos
-
Jim Avelis
-
Jim Avelis
-
Jim Avelis
Discussion
Hundreds turn out for new mining jobs
- Business
-
-
Duke Energy gives $10K to Wabash Valley Red Cross for Vigo flood relief
Duke Energy is giving $10,000 to the Wabash Valley Red Cross chapter for flood relief from this spring’s heavy rains.
-
‘500’ gas stations being sold to Speedway LLC
After several decades in business, the area’s familiar “500” gasoline stations and convenience stores will soon be missing from the roadsides of Vigo and Sullivan counties.
-
Business Cents: Customers and companies: Sugar goes further than vinegar
Working with companies for more than decade I am still shocked to learn how not only companies react to customers but also how rude customers can be to companies.
-
SOCIAL SECURITY: Can’t work because of disability? Let us help
Disability is something most people don’t like to think about. But if you’re not able to work because you have a disabling condition that is expected to last at least one year or result in death, then it’s a subject you may not be able to avoid.
-
Naysayers should treat good news as good news
I like to complain as much as anybody else. In truth, I may do more than my share of finding fault and wagging a finger in warning. Nonetheless, I’m tired of commentators (including many economists) who find nothing good and only the darkest clouds for the past few months.
-
All mothers appreciate extra help
Think of all the times and ways that your mom has helped you over the years — when you were a child, and after you became an adult. With Mother’s Day upon us, now is a good time to pay mom back with a little Extra Help — with her Medicare prescription drug costs.
-
Upcoming meetings
The Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce is hosting a health care reform seminar for businesses from 2 to 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday at Old National Insurance at 925 Wabash Ave., suite 200.
-
Indiana ranked best place to do business in Midwest
Indiana was ranked as the best place to do business in the Midwest and the fifth best nationwide in a survey of more than 500 chief executives by Chief Executive magazine.
-
First Farmers rated among top 100 community banks
First Farmers Bank & Trust of Converse was named one of the 100 top-performing community banks for 2012 by SNL Financial.
-
Newsmakers: May 12, 2013
Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve has recognized John Thompson, president of Thompson Thrift Construction, and Paul Thrift, president of Thompson Thrift Development, as “Patriotic Employers.”
-
On the Move: May 12, 2013
Stacey Joseph, a realtor in Terre Haute, has earned the Certified Residential Specialist designation by the Council of Residential Specialists, the largest not-for-profit affiliate of the National Association of Realtors.
-
Chamber lauds four with Business Recognition Awards
Congratulations to our Business Recognition Awards winners! Our Awards Luncheon at the Meadows Banquet and Conference Center was a great event to wrap up Business Recognition Week, sponsored by Union Hospital. At the Luncheon we recognized four local businesses as the 2012 Business Recognition Award winners:
-
ISU students provide detailed grocery analysis
As the National Cooperative Grocers Association makes business decisions in the coming years, the organization likely will take into account an analysis of some of its competitors – about 4,000 of them.
-
Construction firm holding grand opening in Marshall on Friday
Construction, H&H LLC is holding a grand opening and Marshall Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday at 812 N. Second St. in Marshall, Ill.
-
AP Source: Subaru to expand Indiana plant
Subaru plans to expand its Indiana factory and add workers to build the Impreza small car in 2016, a person briefed on the matter says.
-
Transit proposals can prove to be game changers
After baseball, my favorite TV watching is the government channel. Here I can see the local government in action or local government inaction.
-
On the Move: May 5, 2013
Melissa Schollaert, RDH, HHP, has been added as a counselor of holistic health and nutrition at The Maple Center for Integrative Health.
-
ISU set to offer financial planning program in 2014
When Indiana State University junior Jennifer Groth began scheduling classes last semester, she planned them out by thinking of an academic program the university does not yet offer. Groth will be one of the inaugural students in the financial planning program that ISU will begin to offer in spring 2014.
-
Newsmaker: May 5, 2013
Gov. Mike Pence announced the appointment of Jessica Robertson to commissioner of the Indiana Department of Administration, a role she will begin on Wednesday.
-
U.S. Postal Service opens village office in Worthington
The U.S. Postal Service officially opened the 40th Village Post Office in the Greater Indiana District on Monday in Worthington.
-
How consistent is your business?
There are six areas in which consistency is critical in the majority of companies. Too often, business owners feel as they are “chasing down” rather than “leading it along.” If you can get a high level of consistency with your standards and practices, then your company will benefit.
-
Good time to try Spanish online service
Cinco de Mayo is May 5 — a time to celebrate Mexican heritage and pride. Why not join the celebration by visiting Social Security’s Spanish website, where you’ll find a number of useful services and a wealth of information in Spanish.
-
First Financial’s net income up 3 percent
First Financial Corp. has announced results for its quarter that ended March 31. The Corp.’s net income increased 3.4 percent to $7.7 million, compared to $7.4 million for the same period of 2012.
-
Curtain goes up on new theater owner
The Indiana Theatre in downtown Terre Haute is under new ownership with a new purpose.
-
Indiana Theatre SOLD!
The Indiana Theatre at 683 Ohio St. is sold.
Rob Lundstrom, who owns the Copper Bar and Louise’s, took possession of the historic downtown theatre on April 25. -
Higher education completion rates questioned
Spring is really here. Baseball is being played, the Cubs are already tragic and Faye of the Forest reappeared on the back deck. She was parked on the railing as I sat down to write this column.
-
Vectren Corp. awards $2.3 million in grants
Vectren Corp. has announced that it awarded more than $2.3 million in 2012 through the Vectren Foundation and corporate contributions.
-
Hard work, good attitude produces success
Like clockwork, Indiana State University graduate Joe Evelo regularly provides monthly updates to the first client he signed up when he started his financial investment career more than 35 years ago.
-
On the move: April 28, 2013
Old National Bank has promoted Howard Mills to vice president, mortgage loan originator.
-
Newsmakers: April 28, 2013
Lenise Kohlway of Spencer was presented with the WorkOne Achievement Award last week for overcoming several employment barriers and pursuing a better life for herself.
- More Business Headlines
-
Duke Energy gives $10K to Wabash Valley Red Cross for Vigo flood relief
Okla. Teens Get Video of Deadly Tornado Overhead
Raw: Aftermath of Deadly Attack in London
Man Shot While Questioned in Boston Probe
Britain Attack Believed Linked to Radical Islam
Raw: Kevin Durant Tours Moore After $1M Pledge
Texas Students Coach Teachers on Fitness
Raw: Scuffles in London After Hacking Death
School Storm Protection Spotty in Tornado Zones
9-year-old Tornado Victim Loved Family, Singing
Chain-Reaction School Bus Crash Injures About 50
Weiner Launches Bid to Become NYC Mayor
Moore Native Toby Keith Tours Tornado Damage
Oklahoma Survivors, Heroes Survey Damage
Today in History May 22
Johnson: Don't Blame Islam or UK Policy
Raw: Costa Rica Volcano Roars to Life
Raw: New Video of Deadly Oklahoma Tornado
Meet MJ, the Bike Riding Tabby Cat
New Forecasting Tool Eyed for Hurricane Season
Today in History May 23
AK-47-wielding thug may be the most bumbling crook ever
Trout's cycle a boost for Angels
Kim Kardashian Flaunts Pregnant Bikini Body in Greece
NBA star pledges $1M to help tornado recovery
Shakira's Shocking Talent
Morgan Freeman falls asleep on air
GRAPHIC: Blood-Soaked Machete Killer Caught on Tape
Elin Nordegren Furious With Lindsey Vonn For Parading Kids in Public
Camera Captures Climber As He Loses Grip And Falls
Helen Mirren Meets with Dying Boy in Queen Elizabeth's Place
Crowd Chants '¡Si, Se Puede!' After Passage of Immigration Bill
DWTS Crowns a Winner
Police Ram House to End Hostage Standoff
Demi Moore a Rocks Bikini at Harry Morton's Family House
Anthony Weiner: I'm running for New York City mayor
Kate Middleton's Dress Flies Up
VIRAL: Baby makes epic soccer goal
The Hangover Baby All Grown Up
