Cylinder of motionless lights in the sky seen over mine

Up on the hill by the mine there were several lights in a cylindrical shape.  They were visible after nightfall and remained there motionless.  I saw them from my office window, and I ran outside and notified some residents close by.  I sped home to tell my family so we could go and investigate the matter.  My wife called 911, but they claimed they were something to do with the mine.  I rounded up the kids and we drove out to meet them.  Two of my stubborn daughters would not accept the fact, so me, my wife, and our believing kids began driving over toward the huge lights off in the distance.  By the time we got to the mine, they had disappeared
Date is approximate.  Witness describes self as "student."  PD