Glennies Creek is being developed for longwall mining and is expected to begin producing coal in July 2002. At full production in 2005, the mine is expected to increase its annual output to a 2.5 million metric saleable tonne rate.
Earlier, Consol was awarded the 2001 Financial Times Global Energy Award as Coal Company of the Year on December 6. The award was made on the basis of its leadership in the use of longwall mining technology, in the development of coalbed methane gas, and in coal research and development.
In other company-related news, Consol resumed longwall mining at Mine 84 near Washington on December 8.
The mine produces steam coal for electricity generation from the Pittsburgh #8 seam. It has historically produced approximately 5 million tons annually.
"Mine 84 is an important mine in our system. By resuming longwall production there before the start of 2002, we have increased confidence that CONSOL Energy will be able to meet its previously announced targets for the coming year," said J Brett Harvey, president and chief executive officer.
Mining at Mine 84 was temporarily discontinued in August 2001 because of fears that adverse geologic conditions, which reduced coal output and increased equipment repair and maintenance, could compromise the safety of the work area.
Longwall mining equipment was removed and part of the system replaced with equipment better suited to the geologic conditions expected to be encountered at Mine 84. Since August, the mine has produced coal with continuous miners.
