David Bolton, surface mines manager for UK Coal, said the disruption caused by the protest had halted work for three hours, costing the company "thousands of pounds".

BBC: Protester charged after Wrekin mine disruption

The company operates three surface coal mines in the Powder Region Basin (PRB) located in Montana and Wyoming, which is the lowest cost major coal producing region in the U.S. CLD also owns a 50% interest in Decker mine, which is also located in the PRB.

FORBES: Chinese Demand Will Drive This Wyoming Coal Stock

Freeport has been ramping up operations at its underground mines amid declining surface production.

WSJ: Indonesian Mine Death Toll Rises, Miners Still Trapped

The land has first been raked by big excavator machines which have exposed the mines on or near the surface - but the next work has to be manual.

BBC: The women clearing Sri Lanka's mines

Projected operating costs are expected to be lower than other mines because metals are closer to the surface, Begic said, with platinum assets about 80 meters below the surface.

FORBES: Platinum Group Metals Targets 2013 For South African Mine Start

While on the surface it looks good for Democrats to embrace those in the faith world, there are some serious potential land mines they are going to have to confront.

CNN: Commentary: Democrats finally getting religion on religion