Mine co-owner little involved

In addition to Murray Energy, families of the six miners trapped in the Crandall Canyon Mine are frustrated with the mine's co-owner, Intermountain Power Agency, which has had little involvement in rescue operations.

IPA has owned a 50 percent share of the Crandall Canyon Mine for more than 15 years. It also has a 50 percent share in the Westridge Mine, which is co-owned by Murray.

IPA general manager Reed Searle expressed his sympathy for the families of trapped miners and also three killed rescue workers. He did not comment Tuesday on the criticism, except to say his company has "no right" to participate in rescue operations or even the general operations of the mine.

Two or three IPA employees have been at the mine, speaking to families and offering any needed support, Searle said.

"We really didn't have any rights to override the decisions that have been made; nevertheless, we know what's going on, and we're giving our encouragement and support," Searle said. "We have no expertise whatsoever in the mines."

IPA operates two coal-fired power plants near Delta. About 5 percent of the coal used to power those plants comes from the Crandall Canyon Mine, according to Searle.

IPA wanted to build a third power plant in the Delta area, but plans have been scrapped because California cities that were needed to support the plan have backed out.

"Unit three is dead," Searle said.

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E-mail: nwarburton@desnews.com