coal

The petition was filed by the United Mine Workers and the United Steelworkers unions.

Kawasaki Heavy Industries and Japan Coal Energy Center signed an agreement.

A lawyer said the mining companies don't dispute owing money on the shovels but the question is how much.

The mining industry and two coal states, Wyoming and Montana, joined the case.

A years-long decline in U.S. coal production has accelerated.

The Decker mine produced over 1 million tons of coal and employed 164 workers in the first quarter of 2020.

The lawsuit accused the Justice companies of failing to pay mining royalty payments and retainer fees.

St. Louis-based Peabody declined to comment.

Coal production in the U.S. is now expected to drop 25% in 2020.

The decision also includes more than $105,000 for 615 acres of lost habitat for endangered sage grouse.