Coal Law

The partners of Gordon Goetz Johnson Caldwell, PSC, collectively have over 50 years of experience serving the West Kentucky coal industries, with records dating more than 150 years. The firm has helped clients in transactions ranging from individual coal leases to the sale of active mining complexes and inactive reserves involving complex financing arrangements.

Our attorneys have litigated coal-related cases ranging from landowner claims to landmark appellate cases affecting the entire industry. Gordon Goetz Johnson Caldwell, PSC, takes pride in its practice in all areas affecting coal mining.

Sales of Coal Mines and Coal Reserves

Our firm has represented clients in the acquisition and disposition of numerous mines and thousands of acres of coal reserve properties.

Financing Coal Assets

Our firm has represented and advised banks and commercial credit companies in providing financing for coal assets involving very large real estate holdings, special legal precedent, commercial practices unique to the industry, and difficult environmental considerations.

Coal Title

The firm has examined titles to thousands of acres of coal reserves located throughout the coal fields of Western Kentucky. We take pride in performing title and curative work with the practical knowledge necessary.

Land Departments

Gordon Goetz Johnson Caldwell, PSC, has worked closely with several coal industry land departments, assisting their landmen in title searching, acquisition, curative work and special questions. We craft coal deeds and leases for every situation and we are always available for consultation with our clients’ landmen. For small companies without land departments, we provide many of the services that traditional land departments provide, including record retention, royalty and division orders, and leasing supervision.

SMCRA and Environmental Matters

The firm is experienced in assisting engineering departments in the preparation of SMCRA permit applications and in defending permit and environmental claims, in court and before administrative departments.

Coal Bed Methane Gas

The firm was the lead counsel on the case of “First Impression in Kentucky as to the Ownership of Coal Bed Methane Gas Imbedded in the Coal Seam.”

Mine Safety Health Administration

The firm offers the unique ability to assist its clients in this highly perilous area of law, having practiced administrative and court cases involving matters from the simplest violations to criminal investigations arising from death claims.