Run of mine (ROM) of 1,043,890 tonnes was achieved, up 35% from the previous quarter.

With the dry season midway through, climatic conditions are expected to support continued strong production for the months ahead, Universal CEO Tony Weber said.

Total coal sales increased by 39% quarter on quarter to 609,120 tonnes.

“Having concluded the pit reconfiguration, Kangala is now firing on all cylinders, and delivering record production in the process,” he said.

“We anticipate increasing production further in the year ahead, thereby delivering strong sales and cashflow to pay down debt facilities and to fund growth prospects.”

For the year, Kangala produced over 3 million tonnes of ROM coal, with sales in excess of 2 million tonnes.

Coal of Africa has announced that its offer for the entire share capital of Universal as contained in CoAL’s offer document dated 21 December 2015 as supplemented, has lapsed.

"While we are disappointed that CoAL's offer did not proceed, we can now devote all our attention and resources to operational matters,” Weber said.

“Foremost, we have a clear path forward to commission our second operation, NCC, within the next few months. With our Kangala Colliery having delivered record production in its last quarter, we are well positioned to generate strong cashflow and support further growth for the rest of the year.”