September startup.

• Position: Coal mine facilities - Alaska Business Briefs: Mining

September Startup September Startup. McKinley Mining Consultants, a Palmer firm on contract as project manager for Idemitsu Kosan Alaska Inc.'s Wishbone Hill coal project about 12 miles northeast of Palmer, is expected to begin construction of mine facilities in September. Fred Mrkonjich, engineering manager, says the project's launch depends on permitting, which should be complete by Sept. 1. He reports Idemitsu Alaska, a subsidiary of the Japan-based Idemitsu Kosan, is finalizing marketing agreements to provide the mine's bituminous coal to new Pacific Rim power-generating facilities slated to begin operations in 1991 and 1992.

Exploration and development of the mine site began in 1983, and to date has cost about $7 million. Provided that work does begin in September, McKinley Mining predicts coal production and shipping will begin in late 1991. The surface mine is expected to produce 1 million metric tons, or 1.1 million short tons, annually during its 15-year life. Employment should reach 200 people at full production, supporting a $10 million annual payroll. Mrkonjich notes in addition to the jobs created, Idemitsu will pay an estimated $900,000 per year in royalty...