Charleston, WV — A federal judge has approved a bidding process for mines owned by bankrupt coal operator Blackjewel LLC. U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Frank Volk in Charleston has approved a motion by Blackjewel on a proposal made by Bristol, Tennessee-based Contura Energy. Contura has offered $20.6 million as the stalking horse bidder for three mines owned by Milton-based Blackjewel. The purchase could put hundreds back to work. Many miners have been without jobs since Blackjewel filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection July 1. If other qualifying bids are made by a Wednesday deadline, an auction would be held on Thursday. Blackjewel attorney Stephen Lerner says any party could bid on any combination of Blackjewel’s assets.