After a career in telecommunications, Mike started in the coal business with Tom Roberts in 2007. Mike is the businessman in the operation. His two constant headaches on the job are the mechanical breakdowns and keeping up-to-date with the federal regulatory requirements of the mining industry to keep the mine in compliance and working. Cobalt Coal’s goal is to mine 6-8,000 clean tons of coal a month. Every breakdown, of which there are many, or violation costs the mine much needed revenue. Mike puts in a lot of time trying to minimize those losses, but it’s a tough and constant battle.