The future of an Elkhart mine, along with more than 300 jobs, will remain unclear for at least another month.

The Logan County Board voted Tuesday to delay the decision on a zoning request for the Viper Mine. The issue will instead be addressed at the next meeting in mid-November. Logan County State's Attorney Jonathan Wright says he needs more time for research and may need to consult with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

Arch Coal, the St. Louis-based company that runs Viper, says the mine will close if it can't rezone about 300 acres of farmland and use it for coal waste storage.

Reports indicate, many opponents want the mine to stay open but are worried about the environmental and health repercussions.

The Logan County Zoning Board of Appeals voted last month not to recommend the Viper proposal, bringing the decision to the full county board.