CONSOL Energy Inc. reported 2013 growth with “distinction” during a major asset sale, said CEO J. Brett Harvey, citing annual production at 28.5 million tons, an increase over 2012’s total production of 27.2 million tons.
Altogether, CONSOL produced 7.1 million coal tons in Q4 2013, including 1.2 million tons of low-volume coking coal from the Buchanan mine—an increase over 6.6 million tons and 700,000 tons from Buchanan, year-on-year. All coal tons, added CONSOL officials, were restated to reflect the sale of five mines in Q4.
CONSOL Energy expects Q1 2014 production guidance up to 7.6 million tons with an annual total up to 32.1 million tons. Buchanan’s Q1 production is forecast up to 1.2 million tons; annual guidance is now up to 4.7 million tons.
In Q1, CONSOL’s coal division forecast completion of the BMX mine and the Bailey prep plant upgrades, the Enlow Fork overland conveyor belt, and the Buchanan mine’s Contrary service hoist, according to company officials.