Oct 28, 2014 1 min read

Murray Energy Corp. said Tuesday it acquired coal reserves and other property, located in Hamilton and Saline counties in Illinois from Consol Energy Inc.

According to a news release, Murray said the transaction includes approximately 100 million tons of coal reserves and resources in the Herrin No. 6 Coal Seam, as well as certain leases and surface rights, previously owned by Consol.

The purchase price was not disclosed.

Murray said the Hamilton Reserves are strategically located adjacent to American Coal Co.’s New Era Mine.

The company said the acquisition positions the New Era Mine for 20 additional years of continued operation, and will allow Murray Energy to better serve its electric utility customers with reliable coal supplies.

Murray Energy is one of the largest employers in the U.S. coal industry, with 7,400 employees and 12 active coal mines in six states.