HINTON, ALTA. -- Bighorn Mining temporarily shut down its operation on Friday, Feb. 5, resulting in the potential loss of a reported 300 jobs. Bighorn, also known as Coalspur Mines Operations Ltd, did not comment for this story and did not confirm that the temporary layoff of 300 workers is related to an ongoing amendment application for tailings ponds within Phase 1 of the current mine site. However, the company did state in a Jan. 27 letter to the Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) that it may shut down operations if a quick resolution could not be found. “As the AER is aware, Coalspur recently submitted an application to extend the life of McPherson Tailings Cell #1, which was approved. That application was necessary to avoid suspending mine operations, which would result in job losses and other negative impacts. If the Coalspur Applications are not approved in a timely manner this situation will arise again,” stated a Jan. 27 letter to the AER from law firm Osler, Hoskin and Harcourt on behalf of Coalspur.