Asset Impairment Review

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2016

Asset Impairment Review [Abstract]

Asset Impairment Review

(3)  Asset Impairment Review

In December 2016, the deterioration of the North end of the Carlisle mine, coupled with lower coal prices led us to determine that the Northern end of the Carlisle mine no longer could be safely and profitably mined.  Thus, the decision was made to seal off the North end of the mine.  Sealing will be completed in the 1st quarter of 2017.  We identified specific assets totaling $16.6 million ($15.1 million of property and equipment and $1.5 million of advanced royalties) that were written off in 2016.  After the impairment, the Carlisle assets had an aggregate carrying value of $118 million at December 31, 2016.  We conducted a review of the Carlisle mine assets and determined that no further impairment charge was necessary.  If, in future periods, we reduce our estimate of the future net cash flows attributable to the Carlisle Mine, it may result in additional future impairment of such assets and such charges could be significant.  None of our other assets are considered impaired.