By Sasha Nelson

November 20, 2017 - In a final show of strength, the silo at the old Empire Mine south of Craig, Colorado refused to collapse during demolition that was attempted just after 9 a.m. Monday, Nov. 20.

Many Moffat County residents felt the blast and shared their experiences on Facebook.

The demolition of the silo is part of an on-going effort by mine owner — Peabody Energy — to decommission the facility.

"While Peabody did not operate the mine, the coal mine reclamation project is part of Peabody's commitment to return coal mined lands to beneficial use. The work includes removal of structures that are not viable for future beneficial use, including a silo, which will be dismantled," wrote Director of Corporate Communications Charlene Murdock in an email in response to inquiries from the Craig Press.

Scheduling of the initial demolition attempt was dependent on several factors, including weather.

It is not yet known why the silo failed to collapse, nor is information yet available about the next steps in the on-going process to dismantle the structure.

"Peabody has engaged a third-party contractor to decommission the Empire Mine and restore the lands for reuse," Murdock said.

The Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety has approved all work, and all applicable permits are in place.

"Over the past decade, Peabody has spent $185 million to restore approximately 48,000 acres of land," Murdock said. "Our restoration efforts have been marked by 90 environmental honors since 2000."

Charges set at the base of the old Empire Mine silo were detonated just after 9 a.m. Monday, November 20